With summer here and the holidays just up the road, there’s no better time to get out on the road with family and friends across Queensland’s beautiful landscapes and beyond. No matter if you’re going to the beach, touring the countryside or driving to see family, getting your car ready for the trip is just as vital as your itinerary.
In this blog, we will be explaining why a pre holiday car service is so important, how it will keep you safe on the roads, and why Harmac Auto is the trusted name on the Sunshine Coast for car servicing.
Key Benefits of a Pre-Holiday Car Service
If you’re travelling for the holidays, a pre-holiday car service can save you from unnecessary stress, and you can have a safe, comfortable trip. Here are the key benefits:
1. Preventing Heat-Related Breakdowns
Queensland’s summers are scorching and temperatures can regularly top 35°C. Heat can put a strain on your car’s engine, battery and cooling system, making a breakdown more likely. Regular servicing means your vehicle is ready for the heat, and you won’t be left stranded in the heat of the moment.
2. Ensuring Air Conditioning Efficiency for a Comfortable Drive
Nothing dampens a summer road trip faster than a malfunctioning air conditioning system. An air conditioning check ensures your car remains a cool refuge, even in the sweltering Australian sun. Find out more about the importance of air conditioning maintenance on our Car Air Conditioning page.
3. Enhancing Fuel Efficiency for Long Drives
With a properly serviced car, you’ll be driving more efficiently and less fuel is used on those long summer drives. Under-inflated tyres and clogged air filters are just two areas that you can save money and reduce your environmental footprint on.
4. Ensuring Road Safety for You and Your Family
Brakes, tyres, lights and steering are all thoroughly inspected to make sure your vehicle is kept to the highest safety standards. This lowers the chances of an accident and keeps your family safe while you are enjoying your holiday adventures.
What Should Be Checked During a Pre-Holiday Car Service?
An all round car service basically involves testing and maintenance of important parts of the car to guarantee that your car is in a suitable condition for driving. Here’s what you should prioritise:
- Engine Oil and Filters: These are replaced to achieve smooth engine performance
- Tyre Pressure and Tread: Good tread and the right pressure in tyres give better grip and fuel efficiency.
- Cooling System: Having your radiator and coolant topped off prevents overheating.
- Battery Health: To avoid unexpected battery failures, get your battery inspected and charged if it’s needed.
- Brakes and Lights: Brakes and lights have to work properly for road safety.
For a detailed breakdown of what’s included, visit our Mechanic page.
Expert Tips for Summer Driving in Australia
So driving in the Australian summer needs some preparation and caution. Here are some expert tips to keeping your trip safer and more enjoyable:
1. Stop, Revive, Survive
The Stop, Revive, Survive campaign is urging drivers to take a break every two hours to stop themselves getting fatigued. This is especially important on long summer drives where the heat can make tiredness worse.
2. Pack an Emergency Kit
Add items to your kit like water, first aid kit, spare tyre and tools. In case of unexpected incidents these items can be lifesavers.
3. Check Weather Conditions
Before you go, watch the weather forecast; extreme heat or summer storms can have an effect on driving conditions.
4. Maintain Adequate Hydration
To help combat the effects of heat and reduce fatigue while driving, stay hydrated.
Why Choose Harmac for Your Car Service?
We at Harmac Auto are aware about the challenges of summer driving in Australia. Here’s why our customers trust us for their car servicing needs:
- Experienced Mechanics: Our team has the knowledge needed to service a wide range of car types & models.
- Comprehensive Services: We handle logbook servicing, air conditioning repairs and whatever your car needs. Explore our services on the Mechanic Log Book Service page.
- Convenient Location: Our workshop is located in Maroochydore, in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, where it is easily accessible.
- Commitment to Quality: With highly trained mechanics and auto electricians, the finest parts and latest technology we can guarantee your car will perform at its best.
FAQs About Pre-Holiday Car Services
1. How far in advance should I book a pre-holiday car service?
To ensure that you have enough time to have repairs or maintenance done, it’s best to book your car service a minimum of 1 or 4 weeks before your trip.
2. How long does a car service take?
The majority of standard services will take 1 to 3 hours. But the time will depend on the condition of your vehicle and the services you need.
3. Can I get my air conditioning checked as part of the service?
Yes, at Harmac Auto we do indeed provide air conditioning inspections and repairs to keep you cool on the road. Learn more about this on our Car Air Conditioning page.
4. What if I encounter a problem during my road trip?
Carry our contact details with you so that you can call us for advice or assistance if needed. Even when you’re on the road, we’re here to help.
Booking a pre holiday car service is a crucial step in making sure your car is safe, comfortable, and will give you peace of mind when on your Australian summer holiday. Addressing potential car issues before they arise means you won’t have to wonder if the car will break down and you can instead have fun making memories with those you care about.
We at Harmac Auto are committed to ensuring that you have a stress free holiday journey with our top notch servicing and expert advice. We can help you with an entire safety check or an air conditioning service.
Book your pre-holiday car service today and hit the road with confidence.