After a long one month of fasting, it’s finally time to celebrate the wonderful time of Raya. As we look forward to indulging in delicacies that taste as heavenly as they smell, it’s important to remember that Raya is also a time for strengthening familial bonds.
Indeed, Raya is more about the people in our lives than it is the food we put into our bodies. But, we don’t always have the luxury of choosing where friends and family decide to settle down, and so travelling is often necessary.
As we get ready to hit the road, here are 5 things to check when preparing your car for the journey home.
Ready? Set. Go!
Fluids
Image via Taylor Auto Glass
In short, you really want to make sure you have all fluids in your car at the recommended levels as shown on the container or dipstick. That means, engine oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, clutch fluid (for you manual car fellas), windshield wiper fluid, and even tyre fluid.
We’re kidding about the tyre fluid. But, you do need to check your tyres for...
Air Pressure
Image via Your TPMS Guide
Every car has a label stuck to the inside of the driver’s side door indicating the recommended tyre inflation pressure. This label usually covers the recommended tyre inflation pressure according to number of passengers and whether there is load in the trunk.
We cannot stress enough the importance of having your tyres inflated at the recommended pressure. Also, it goes without saying that you should make sure that your spare tyre is inflated as well. While you’re down there, you’ll also want to check…
Tyre treads
Image via Lincolns Of Distinction
Some tyres have tread wear indicators built into the tyres. They are little bars that run across the groove of the tyre. When the tread wear indicators are flush with the treads, it’s time to change your tyres.
However, it is important to note that braking performance starts to dip as soon as tyre treads wear to about 60% so you may want to consider change your tyres regardless of whether the treads are flush with the wear indicators.
Battery
Image via Firestone Complete Auto Care
The balik kampung journey can quickly take a turn for the worse when you find out your car refuses to start because it has ran out of battery. Stress levels will go through the roof and you really don’t want that.
Make it a habit to do visual checks on the battery, which include battery life indicator (for maintenance batteries), battery water levels, cracks, and signs of acid leak. Also, be sure to check the battery connectors—they should be tight and free of rust.
Wiper and lights
Image via Collison Motoring Services
While June will not see much rainfall in the Peninsula, it is still important to make sure your wipers are in tip-top condition. After all, the weather has proven that it does not care much for when the rainy season is.
Common signs that indicate that it is time to replace your wiper blades include streaking, juddering, unclear sections on the windscreen, and noise.
As for lights, it goes without saying that you should ensure that your low beam, high beam, fog lights, brake lights, reverse lights, and indicators (front, back, and sides) all light up when they are turned on. Just remember to turn off all the lights once you’re done checking lah.
Frequently checking that your car is in perfect condition is a good habit to foster, but for the ultimate peace of mind on your journey home to love ones this Raya season, there is the spacious, safe, and comfortable Proton Ertiga and the all-new Proton Persona.
Proton Ertiga
Whether you’re a family of three or six going on a picnic or shopping spree, or in the process of home moving, Proton Ertiga is the perfect vehicle for all your road trips without compromising on passenger comfort or luggage space.
To complement its smart seating arrangements, Proton Ertiga is equipped with dedicated air-cond vents at the 2nd row for the comfort of the 2nd and 3rd row passengers. With a Quick Smart Access, one-action walk-in mechanism, going in and out of the 3rd row is easy. The 3rd row seat also has ample leg room to sit 2 adults comfortably.
All this comfort does not come at the expense of fuel economy, as Proton Ertiga is Malaysia’s first compact MPV energy efficient vehicle (EEV) featuring an advanced 1.4L VVT engine.
Fine out more here!
Proton Persona
The all-new Proton Persona is definitely a looker, with crisp lines that complete its modern, sporty appearance. But, the winner of CarSifu’s Editors’ Choice Awards 2016 for Best Compact Car is also a beast that pacts a host of smart, practical, and safe features.
The cabin of the all-new Proton Persona is a spacious comfort zone with ergonomically designed seating complemented by 10 compartments, 7 cup-holders, and a 510-litre luggage space.
Under the hood is a 1.6L VVT engine with ECO Drive Assist that’s not only powerful, but at a fuel consumption of 5.6L per 100km, also economical.
Find out more here!