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By Moses Akaigwe
As you anticipate long-awaited Christmas and new year season holidays, excitement of getaways should not overshadow a critical reality: festive season roads consistently record the year’s highest fatality rates. Vehicle maintenance is an essential part of reducing your risk of becoming one of these statistics.
While most drivers diligently check oil and tyre pressure, there are also several crucial maintenance items that can slip through the cracks, especially if your vehicle was not inspected professionally before leaving. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “These often-overlooked maintenance items can strike without warning.
“Unlike obvious issues that may allow pulling over safely, these failures typically occur suddenly during critical moments. Each is, however, preventable. This is why spending a few minutes checking the below before departure is an essential part of trip preparation.
1. Brake fluid
Both brake pad thickness and brake fluid quality must be inspected. “The hydraulic fluid absorbs moisture over time, reducing its boiling point and compromising braking efficiency, especially on long downhill stretches. Brake fluid should be clear or light amber; if it’s dark or murky, replace it,” says Herbert.
2. Battery terminals
Corroded or loose terminals can cause unexpected failures in remote locations. “Clean white or blue-green corrosion from terminals. Ensure connections are tight. Additional electrical demands, like air conditioning use or charging multiple devices, put extra strain on these connections,” says Herbert.
3. Coolant system
Beyond coolant levels, inspect hoses for soft spots, cracks, or bulges. “A hose failure on a scorching December highway can destroy your engine within minutes. Squeeze accessible hoses; they should feel firm, not spongy. Also check that the coolant reservoir cap seals properly, as a faulty cap can cause overheating through pressure loss,” says Herbert.
4. Wheel bearings
These often give subtle warning signs before failure. “Jack up each wheel and check for play by turning the tyre to 12 and 6 o’clock, then 3 and 9 o’clock, pushing and pulling firmly. Any movement or grinding noise indicates worn bearings that could seize and potentially cause loss of control,” says Herbert.
5. Spare tyre
Many drivers discover their spare is flat only when they desperately need it. “Check its pressure and verify that your jack, wheel brace, and wheel lock key are present and functional. Ensure you are competent at changing a tyre; doing it the first time on a highway shoulder is not ideal.”
6. The final walk-around
Before departing, perform a final inspection with your vehicle loaded. “Check tyre pressure is adjusted for additional weight, all lights function correctly, and nothing obstructs your mirrors or visibility. Ultimately, do not overlook maintenance details as these can write a different ending to your holiday story,” says Herbert.
