Workshops want to put their bit to contribute to road safety and minimize the environmental impact of the car, but drivers can put much on our part if we look after our vehicles. Above all, these ten points:
1. Shock absorber
Japanese Classice Car Show 2012 (Photo credit: Moto@Club4AG)Cushions provide comfort in driving and represent a security guarantee as they help to control the vehicle at high speeds and at risk. In fact, is considered one of the three essential components of the so-called “safety triangle”, along with tires and brakes.
The correct operation of a buffer depends on various factors, such as the State of the road, the load of the vehicle, mileage and effects of wear, such as cold, heat and humidity. The action of these factors makes that the effect of cushion will be reduced gradually, until it stops working correctly. Not to be a very perceptible wear for the driver, we recommend periodic reviews every 20,000 km.
2. Wiper
In case of rain, the wipers represent a fundamental role. If they do not sweep well and not properly evacuate water, (or hail, or snow), prevent that precious information reach well our eyes. A few seconds may be vital.
If the brushes leave areas by sweeping, originate breaded strangers, make noise or jumps, now is the time of replacement. ASETRA suggest as appropriate their change after the summer. There is nothing worse for your components than long hours of sunshine and high temperatures.
3. Filters
you should check them at least once a year. Vehicle mounted various types:
OIL FILTERS:
Normal wear and tear of engine involves the appearance of metal particles that emerge from the components and will stop the lubricant. Oil filter aims to retain these particles that damage the engine performance or even cause serious damage. Since periods of replenishment of the oils have dilated much in new vehicles, and while the quality of the filters has improved considerably, it is essential to replace this element whenever the oil is changed.
AIR FILTERS:
A filter in good condition ensures that the air coming into the engine does not contain abrasive particles. That way, the combustion takes place in the best conditions and fuel consumption is maintained at levels collected in the catalogue of the vehicle, as in the case of polluting emissions. It is important that the filter is always checking in vehicle maintenance operations. The end of his life depends on the places through which it circulates. Hence, if you walk down dusty roads regularly, it is necessary to proceed with much more frequently to his replacement than if they drive on much more clean environments.
FUEL FILTERS:
Operation differs if it is petrol engines: remove impurities from fuel before they reach the engine, while vehicles that run on diesel fuel serve to remove water and prevent corrosion of the metallic elements of the engine. In both cases, their task is essential to ensure the health of the engine. They should be checked whenever the vehicle enters the workshop for maintenance.
CABIN FILTERS:
If the rest of the filters that are mounted on a vehicle are intended to ensure the health of the Japanese used cars engine, the cockpit is the health of its occupants. How does it? “Catching” the dust particles and pollen grains suspended in the atmosphere. Avoid, therefore, entering the vehicle and it lessen its negative impact especially in people suffering from allergies, as well as providing a feeling of cleanliness and well-being on the inside of the cockpit. It is important especially when you are travelling with any allergic.
4. Tires
many factors influence the life of a tire: from own covers components and storage prior to its sale, to how to lead your user, or climatology and the characteristics of the pavement by the wheel. Therefore, it is very difficult to determine an approximate number of kilometers (there are brands that last longer than others). However, being the link between the car and the road, its role in security is paramount.
You must correctly keep the rates of pressure recommended by the manufacturer. It is important that you are always very pending the appearance of vibrations and noise, (more for some areas than for others), abnormal wear of any strange behavior detected in braking. Maybe it is time of change and even to let us know also of failures in other safety-related components. ASETRA recommended visiting a specialist at least once year if tires are installed more than four years, when the annual mileage does not exceed 14,000 kilometers. If more kilometers are made, you should visit the workshop soon.
5. Brakes
The brakes are in poor condition, we will need more meters to stop the car before any emergency. The wear of the components of the braking system depends on the characteristics of driving and also the usual means by which roll the vehicle (traffic jams in cities, travels in Montana, with abundant curves, etc). For this reason, it is very important that this system be inspected by a specialist at least once a year. It is not easy to detect it, since the brake components are deteriorating gradually and, unless it is very marked difference (will be for one side, take in “react”, noises, squeaks, etc) in which case the step by the workshop must be immediate. We have already spoken of how keep the brakes in good condition.
Author: Roger Abert – Follow him on Google+.