Traditionally, holy week is the time for Filipinos to reflect on their lives and be with their family and loved ones. We would take this opportunity to embark on out-of-town trips to see our relatives or have a getaway to take a break from the fast-paced life.
And the good news is the National Capital Region (NCR) and other areas in the country are now under Alert Level 1. It means intrazonal or interzonal travel is allowed without restrictions amid the ongoing pandemic. For that reason, we can easily plan and hit the road for long drives.
However, as long-distance travel needs more effort from your vehicle, road mishaps or accidents can occur. According to a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 1.3 million people in the world die annually due to road crashes.
Ensuring your safety
That is why it is vital to ensure that your vehicle’s essential parts and fluids are in tip-top condition and at the correct levels before your journey. Prestone, a proven and trusted quality brand of Auto Care fluids since 1927 and a road safety advocate, reminds you to always keep in mind and check BLOCBAGETS ahead of your long drive this holy week.
Brake Fluid. It aids in adding the pressure required to slow or stop your vehicle. Low brake fluid leads to less hydraulic pressure, affecting the performance of your braking system. With that in mind, it is vital to maintain its appropriate level.
Lights. Inspect all your vehicle’s lights. See if they are working so you can replace any malfunctioning or broken bulbs.
Oil. It is an essential component for your engine to perform correctly. Make sure that your vehicle has the proper oil level and color. If you observe that it has a black or brown color, ensure to change it right away.
Coolant. A coolant prevents the engine from overheating. It also protects your cooling system from any corrosion. Remember to examine your coolant’s level before your long drive.
Battery. Check your car battery for any physical damage caused by overheating or overcharging. Ensure that there would be no indications of problems or unsecured connections in its terminals, attached cables, or clamps. Make sure that it is in full charge so the battery will not die on your journey.
Air. Examine if your tires have the correct air pressures to increase fuel economy. Use a tire gauge pressure to check.
Gas. Look at your fuel gauge to see its level. Remember to fill up your gas tank. It will save you the inconvenience of finding a gas station while on the road.
Engine. Inspect if it has leaks that require fixing. Always be on the lookout for any weird noises, like knocking or clicking, that may signify a problem.
Tires. Check for any signs of damage, such as bubbles, tears, or punctures. Ensure that your tires’ tread depths are in good condition.
Self. Of course, make sure you are well and rested to help you stay sharp down the road.
To reinforce its commitment to advocating road safety this holy week, Prestone also supports the Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko (SMSK) Motorist Assistance Program of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). It aims to ensure a safer and smoother journey for drivers when traveling this coming holiday at MPTC-owned expressways, such as North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).
This program reminds motorists to observe the speed limit, proper distance between vehicles, and avoidance of swerving, among others, to be safe.
Meanwhile, this holy week, Prestone provides reliable and trusted products to help your vehicle stay in good condition and achieve its maximum performance.
The right coolant
Prestone offers world-class coolants for different types of vehicles. Whether new or old, the Prestone Asian Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant maintains your vehicle’s engine temperature and avoids freezing. It also protects against unnecessary buildups and corrosion in your vehicle’s cooling system parts.