- 5min
Get ready for vacation with our checklist for your vehicle
The best time of the year? For most people, vacation time! And in many cases, the car is also perfectly sufficient to get to a nice destination. In any case, the car is one of the favorite means of transportation. It’s important to check everything before setting off on holiday so as to ensure the trip doesn’t end in the breakdown lane.
Important advice
1. Check the oil level
If the oil warning indicator lights up, you’ve left it too late. The best idea is to take a look at our Oil guide beforehand so you can be sure to find exactly the right oil. Remember to stock up on oil before you go away as this will cut your costs. After all, oil purchased en route will often be a lot more expensive.
2. Pack refill oil
Our 5W-30 Top-up Oil in the handy 1 l container is ideal for taking along on holiday trips when you’re traveling by car. If the oil indicator does happen to light up, an all-year-round oil for gasoline and diesel engines including common rail and unit injector technology is the perfect companion. What is more, it exceeds the most rigorous test requirements imposed by well-known vehicle manufacturers. Be sure to have it on board!
3. Pack additives for the engine
Holiday driving often involves long distances. So a reliable engine is a must. Additives can help improve running properties and are the best way to prevent a breakdown. Injection Cleaner (for gasoline engines) or Super Diesel Additive (for diesel engines) are suitable products here.
4. Check the cooling water
The cylinder head gasket can easily burn in hot weather if there’s a lack of coolant. If you require more, simply fill up with our Radiator Antifreeze. And to be sure the radiator doesn’t leak, add our Radiator Stop Leak.
5. Check windshield condition and wiper water level
Have you discovered small cracks or stone chips in the windshield? These should be repaired before longer journeys or the windshield replaced if necessary.
Our Windshield Cleaner ensures perfect visibility at all times – but be sure not to confuse the wiper water container with the coolant reservoir.
6. Check the air conditioning system
Long drives require a lot of concentration on the part of the driver, but high temperatures reduce concentration capacity. This is why a functioning air conditioning system is so important. Only by ensuring a clean air conditioning system will you create a pleasant climate and prevent the spread of germs. Our Climate Refresh is an easy, fast and effective when it comes to eliminating unpleasant smells.
7. Check the brakes
If there’s a lack of brake fluid, this might be the result of wear and tear on the brake pads. Be sure to have a workshop look for any problems and carry out repairs as necessary. You’ll find the right brake fluid in our Oil guide.
8. Check the tire pressure
Be absolutely sure to check this before leaving, and remember that manufacturer specifications refer to cold tires. If you’ve been driving fast, the figure can be much higher. Tires with less than three millimeters of remaining tread should be replaced before the trip.
9. For the event of a breakdown
Be sure to check the expiry date of your first aid kit. In the trunk, you should have a warning triangle and a safety vest as well as at least one tire repair kit. It’s better still to have a spare wheel or at least an emergency wheel on board: In the event of large splits and holes in the tire, a repair set will be of little use. The Tire Repair Spray is handy for the initial puncture repair of all common car and caravan tire sizes. It seals flat tires and pumps them up again, and is suitable for all types of tires with and without inner tube.
10. Check the lights
Switch all the lights on and off to check they work, including the indicator lights and brake light. It’s a good idea to carry replacement fuses and bulbs with you.
11. Check the inspection date
If the next service is due while you’re away on holiday, the best thing is to bring it forward.
