Check on your car before setting out on that long drive

Check and balance: Vehicle users should always inspect the condition of their tyres to avoid any accidents, especially during the festive season rush. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: With Chinese New Year just two days away, many city folk are scurrying to keep their cars in tip-top condition.

A workshop manager, who wished to be known as Chong, said many people had sent their cars for inspection before returning to their hometowns.

She said her customers had been given free checks on engine oil, fan motor, indicator lights, thickness of brake pads, coolant level, battery status, tyre condition and brake fluid level, among others.

“We want to ensure that our regular customers have a safe trip to their hometowns,” she said.

Chong stated that vehicle overheating and worn tyres were two common issues that car owners should be aware of while travelling.

“The public should watch out to ensure that their vehicles do not overheat.

“It may be due to a fan motor malfunction or a radiator coolant leak due to cracked or broken pipes.

“Car owners should ensure their tyres have grip and their brake pads are still working,” she said.

WorldTech Auto Care sales manager Charles Ong said she had been experiencing brisk business since December last year.

“In the last few weeks, our business has grown by at least 30%.

“This is the first time business is as good as the pre-Covid-19 days.

“Our business suffered during the movement control order, and I am glad that we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

Ong added that to spread out her workers’ job load, priority was given to customers who came back for their car care last month.

“For those who have coated their cars before this, we encouraged them to come for maintenance last month.

“As for those who wanted to wash, polish or wax their cars, we asked them to come in nearer to Chinese New Year,” she said.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon urged the public to ensure proper maintenance with periodic safety inspections for their vehicles.

“They must be roadworthy. Please consider sending your vehicle for an accredited technical inspection, especially before embarking on long-distance travel.

“For those who are buying or renting a car, always check the safety information of the vehicle, and you can always select a safer vehicle for you and your loved ones,” he said.

In line with the Chinese New Year Ops Selamat theme of Pandu Cermat Sampai Selamat (drive safe, arrive safely), Wong advised the public to always be alert to the surroundings and not speed.

“During Chinese New Year celebrations, we are very likely to be driving or riding in different traffic and road environments.

“We should be extra cautious when driving as the local traffic behaviour may no longer be the same as what we are familiar with and will very likely be different from our normal daily commutes.

“For those with kids, please make full use of child restraint seats,” he added.