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Checklist: Is my car in a fit state for going on vacation? |
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Are you taking your car on vacation? Have you wondered whether it's in good enough shape for a long trip?
The Technical Inspectorate (TÜV) in Hanover/Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany recommends a few easy tests, some of which you can carry out yourself. |
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1. Braking system |
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Measurement and evaluation on the dynamic brake analyzer. |
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Pedal travel and pedal power, checking the pedal rubber for tight fit and grip. |
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Functional check of the parking brake system on the dynamic brake analyzer, lever travel check. |
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2. Brake fluid |
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Sight test, fluid level. |
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Determine the boiling point with test device (e.g. at Bosch service center) for prevention of vapor-bubble formation - important in the case of prolonged braking in mountainous areas or when towing trailers. |
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The ventilator inlet and outlet on the cover of the compensating reservoir must not be blocked. |
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3. Brake cables |
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Visual check for corrosion and external damage. |
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4. Brake hoses |
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Air-tight (porous?), rotation. |
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5. Brake disks, brake linings |
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Wear and tear check. |
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6. Lighting system |
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Function check of the overall lighting system. |
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Status check of the headlamp reflectors, reset headlamps if necessary. |
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7. Wiper blades |
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Function check.. |
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State of wiper-blade elements. |
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8. Wiper system |
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Function check. |
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Refill reservoir. |
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9. Tires |
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Tread depth, wear and tear, damage, don't forget the spare. |
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Check air pressure, don't forget the spare. |
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10. Shock absorbers |
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Visual check of the shock absorbers for oil leaks and corrosion, check shock absorbers on the test bench, if necessary. |
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11. Engine |
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Sight check of the engine and the attachments, look out for oil leaks. |
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Check oil level. |
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12. V-belts |
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Check tension and state. |
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13. Cooling system |
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Visual check for leaks, look out for damage and brittleness on hoses. |
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Check cooling water level using the markings on the compensating reservoir and top up if necessary. |
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14. Air filter element |
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Visual check for damage and dirt. |
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15. Silencer system |
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Check for rust and ensure secure fixing. |
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16. Dates for MOT and exhaust inspection |
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Remember date for main inspection. |
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Remember date for exhaust inspection. |
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17. First-aid box |
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Completeness check. |
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Check Best before date. |
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The following are questions for drivers towing trailers! |
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18. Lighting |
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Check lighting on trailer too. |
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19. Coupling |
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Check coupling for state and play on the trailer and the towing vehicle. |
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20. Brakes, tires |
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Check inertia braking system on trailer, check tires and cracks, don't forget the spare. |
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21. Gas system |
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Have the gas system checked. |
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22. Weight |
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Ensure maintenance and distribution of weight between towing vehicle and trailer, especially the support load on the trailer coupling. |
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