Pre-holiday Checks

The drive to Bangor on Dee racecourse for the spring gathring and AGM got me thinking that the holiday season will soon be upon us and some of us will be taking our Saab’s on trips throughout the UK or even to the continent. Nobody likes to have car trouble on their holidays, so now is the time to do some pre-holiday checks to your Saab to help ensure trouble free motoring. If a service is near to being due, get it done before you travel. If a service is a long way off, there are some basic checks worth doing before you travel.

Tyre condition should be checked. Have a good look at the tread all across the tyres. Be sure that you have plenty of tread left. Tyre pressures need to be checked. Keep in mind that you may have extra weight in the car and you may be driving at sustained high speeds so the pressures may have to be raised accordingly. Follow the recommendation in your owner’s manual. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre pressure, be sure that you have a wheel brace and your jack is in working order.

Take a good look at your brake pads to see how much material is remaining. You don’t want to have your brake pads wear out during your trip, as Steve Trigg will tell you!!!

The cooling system has to work extra hard with the hotter summer temperatures and the extra load. If you have to add coolant regularly, now is the time to find out why and get it repaired. Is it leaking from hose clips, radiator, coolant pump or leaking head gasket? Give the coolant hoses a good visual check and also the radiator. Check the operation of your cooling fan and thermostat.

Check your drive belts. Check for cracks and be sure they run true on the pulleys. Listen for whining noises from the belt idlers on 9000’s and ng 900’s with multirib drive belts, as the bearings can dry out and seize suddenly, leaving you stranded.

If your Saab leaves oil drips on the drive, best to check where they are coming from and take care of the leaks before your trip. Check gearbox, power steering and brake fluid levels.

If your air conditioning hasn’t been blowing as cold as it used to, get it checked before your trip. A car full with a hot family can be a stressful situation!

All the lights and wipers and horn should be checked and it is advisable to carry a selection of spare bulbs. Spare fluids and some hand tools can come in handy if you have the room.

A well-maintained Saab can take one anywhere reliably and in comfort. Hope you all have a nice summer.

Glenn

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