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Testing brakes and air conditioning for long car journeys
A thorough inspection of your car’s brakes and air conditioning is one of the most important steps in preparing for your trip. It not only ensures safety in unexpected situations but also provides comfort during long drives through warm regions. Many problems with these systems announce themselves subtly. Do you know what to look out for and how to prevent technical faults from ruining your holiday? Read on and discover how a few simple checks can give you peace of mind before you set off.
\n\nWhy a pre-trip check is important
\n\n\n\nA car holiday puts your vehicle through its paces. A fully loaded car, high ambient temperatures, and mountainous terrain demand the utmost from your brakes and cooling system. The extra weight of luggage and passengers puts greater strain on the brakes, extending stopping distances and accelerating wear. A properly functioning air conditioning system is more than just comfort; it keeps you, the driver, alert and focused. Furthermore, in humid weather, the air conditioning quickly demists the windows. This directly contributes to better visibility and, therefore, safety. An air conditioning system loses an average of ten per cent of its refrigerant annually, which reduces its cooling performance. The compressor, an expensive component, then has to work harder and wears out faster.
\n\n\n\n\n‘ Don’t ignore them, especially with a long journey ahead. ’
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How do I check the brakes before my car holiday?
\n\n\n\nThe brakes are your car’s most important safety system. While a complete inspection is a job for a specialist, there are clear signs you can recognise yourself. By being alert to these, you’ll know when a visit to the garage is necessary. Schedule this check one to two weeks before departure to allow sufficient time for any repairs.
\n\n\n\nChecking your brakes yourself: the warning signs
\n\n\n\nWhile driving, pay attention to the following signs that indicate problems with your brakes. These symptoms are often the first indication that something is wrong and require immediate attention. Don’t ignore them, especially with a long journey ahead.
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- Noises: Do you hear a grinding, grating, or squealing sound when braking? This usually indicates worn brake pads. The metal of the brake caliper then comes into contact with the brake disc, which can lead to costly damage. \n\n\n\n
- Vibrations: Do you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal when braking? This means the brake discs are warped. This reduces braking power and is dangerous, especially during an emergency stop. \n\n\n\n
- Longer stopping distance: Do you notice the car decelerating less quickly? Do you have to press the pedal deeper? This indicates a low brake fluid level or air in the system. Check the fluid level in the reservoir under the bonnet. If the level is too low, don’t just top it up; have the garage investigate the cause of the loss. \n\n\n\n
- Pulling to one side: Does the car pull to one side when braking? This is a sign that a brake caliper is stuck or that there is uneven wear. \n
In addition to these driving signals, you can also test the handbrake. Apply it on a slight incline and check that the car remains firmly stationary. A handbrake that you have to pull up very high before it works needs adjusting.
\n\nShould you have the air conditioning checked before a trip to Spain?
\n\n\n\nA trip to a warm destination like Spain, Italy, or Southern France with a poorly functioning air conditioning system is no fun. Temperatures inside the car quickly rise above 40 degrees Celsius, leading to fatigue and loss of concentration. An air conditioning check before departure is therefore not an unnecessary luxury.
\n\n\n\nTesting the air conditioning’s performance
\n\n\n\nYou can perform a simple test yourself to assess the condition of your air conditioning. Do this on a relatively warm day for the most reliable result. You can also schedule a professional air conditioning service with an approved garage or the ANWB for a full inspection.
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- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. \n\n \n\n
- Set the air conditioning to the coldest setting and the fan to the highest setting. \n\n \n\n
- Hold your hand in front of one of the ventilation grilles. Within a minute, you should feel a distinct cold airflow. \n\n \n\n
- Listen carefully. Do you hear unusual noises, such as a rattling or hissing sound, when the air conditioning compressor engages? This indicates a defect. \n\n \n\n
- Pay attention to the smell. A musty, unpleasant odour indicates mould and bacterial growth in the system. This is not only unpleasant but also unhealthy. An air conditioning cleaning will remedy this. \n\n
If the air remains lukewarm or doesn’t get cold enough, the system is leaking refrigerant and needs to be refilled. Always have this done by a professional. Professionals also refer to refilling as an air conditioning service. This service includes checking for leaks, evacuating the system, and filling it with refrigerant and oil. This ensures optimal cooling and lubricates the moving parts of the system, extending its lifespan.
\n\nCombine the checks for a carefree journey
\n\n\n\nThe best approach is to combine the brake and air conditioning check with a complete holiday vehicle check at your garage. The garage will also check other important points such as tyre pressure, oil level, coolant, and the battery. A small investment in preventive maintenance far outweighs the costs and inconvenience of a breakdown on the road. This way, you’ll travel not only safely and comfortably but also with peace of mind.
\n\n\n\nCareful preparation prevents unpleasant surprises on the road and ensures a relaxed start to your holiday. On the Traveler Tips website, you’ll find many more practical articles about planning your car holiday. For example, discover the best routes through Europe or information about mandatory equipment per European holiday country. This way, you’ll travel smarter and better prepared.
\n\nFrequently asked questions
\n\n\nFor a long car journey, it is advisable to have your brakes and air conditioning professionally checked, ideally 1-2 weeks before departure. This prevents breakdowns and ensures a safe and comfortable journey. Brakes are crucial for safety, especially with a fully loaded car, and a well-functioning air conditioning system provides comfort and clear visibility. Combine these checks with a general summer vehicle check to have other essential points of your car inspected too.
\n\nFor a road trip, crucial points to have checked on the brakes include: worn brake pads and discs, the brake fluid level, and the handbrake. Warning signs you should not ignore are grinding noises, a vibrating brake pedal, a longer stopping distance, or a handbrake that clicks less than usual. Always have brakes professionally inspected at a garage.
\n\nTo ensure the air conditioning functions optimally during the journey, it is essential to have it professionally tested beforehand, especially since an air conditioning system loses an average of 10% refrigerant annually. You can test the air conditioning yourself by checking if the air quickly becomes cooler and if there are no unpleasant odours. Always have refills done by experts to prevent damage. Prior to the journey, especially to warm or mountainous destinations, an air conditioning check is crucial to guarantee comfort and to quickly remove condensation.
\n\nFor brakes, you can yourself look out for grinding noises, a vibrating brake pedal, a longer stopping distance, or a handbrake that gives fewer clicks than normal. You can check the brake fluid level, but if in doubt, always have it checked by a professional. For the air conditioning, you can test if the air quickly becomes cold and if there are any unpleasant odours. It is absolutely necessary to call in an expert for brakes at any suspicion of wear or defect, and for the air conditioning when it doesn’t cool properly, smells strange, or for its annual refill and V-belt check.
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