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Ulysses Ang Photos By Ulysses Ang |
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Whether you plan on visiting your mother-in-law in Bicol or simply want to have some R&R in Baguio, your car needs to be up to stuff. Imagine what would happen if it wasn’t. Imagine yourself stuck by the side of a deserted road, trying to flag down cars that will likely never come by; or worse yet, be towed away by the highway patrol. Imagine the stress, the helplessness, the agony. You have to take matters into your own hands. If you’re planning on taking a road trip, make sure you provide your car with some basic maintenance. A top shape horn might be more useful than you think. Let’s start by listing the parts on your car that you should check to be certain that the vehicle is in perfect working order. Notice that, while you may be able to verify some of them on your own, for the most part, you’ll have to rely on a competent mechanic. Fluids In a way, cars were modeled after living organisms. Consequently, a car has as much bodily fluids as a human. You must make sure that there’s always enough juice in every domain so that the car can function flawlessly. Take note not to overfill these fluids as they’re equally harmful to your car as having no fluid at all. If you think you’re running a leak, better have it checked and repaired first before zooming off to the provinces. Be aware that the first three items on the following list also have filters that need to be examined.
With the exception of gasoline and windshield washer fluid, these fluids must be periodically checked when your vehicle goes in for periodic maintenance service or PMS. Check with your owner’s manual as to the interval of each PMS. Hoses and Belts These are like the blood arteries of the human body; they connect the entire system. If there’s a loose connection, you might find yourself hitchhiking before you know it. Make sure all hoses and belts are tightly secured. For instance, you can give the engine belts (do this when the engine is cold and shut-off) an upward and downward tug to make sure they’re still tightly secured. Check by feel if there are cracks and abnormal wear as well. |
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