The festive trip turns into a test of the condition of a car

Easter felt in advance

« We felt Easter much earlier than other people, » smiled car repair masters.

In recent weeks, drivers, concerned about the condition of their cars, began to flow into the garage. For many Lithuanians, travel in April and May, for some, they are just beginning. The overall anchorage also contributes to the still unlinding boom of summer tires and related repairs.

According to Rokas Gineika, a spokesman for Renvoja, the masters of the High Šančiai, the masters feel not only because of the flooded heat, but also because of the specific work that has been far less in winter.

« People seem to have awakened after hibernation and grabbed the need to look at what their transport condition is. As if in January or February, it is not important. On the other hand, such a coexistence is understood, because it is now a time of travel, » he said.

Related: Before replacing tires, both wheel alignment and other related work are often needed. / Photo by M. North

Pit auditors

What to celebrate Easter in the countryside, who to look after the awakened nature of Lithuania, and who’s school holidays to neighboring Poland or wherever. The masters of the planned routes listen to various, but the goal of all customers alone is to safely reach their destination. Similar services they want.

« Everyone seems to be asking for oil and filters. It seems that until then, no one has calculated how many kilometers of the old grease they drove. In the spring, everyone needs the same, » Gineika wondered.

High demand and chassis related work. The masters even jokingly call themselves the pits of the city. According to clients’ complaints and their numbers, they can tell you more precisely which streets after the winter, the most pits opened, the condition of which is the worst.

That is why specialists recommend lifting the car at least once every half a year and evaluating its chassis condition. If it is difficult for the driver to do so or there are no appropriate conditions at home, it is advisable to visit a garage where lifting and the craftsman really do not cost much. Instead, knowing the real technical condition can be done with essentials and to prevent much painful failure and more expensive repair.

People seem to awaken after hibernation and grabbed the need to look at the condition of their vehicles.

Rust comes out

According to Gineika, when the car is lifted, not only seasonal but also long -term troubles are often seen. Some failures are characterized by a particular manufacturer or even a specific model.

Masters note that these days, even Mercedes, which has a solid image, some models are not resistant to our roads.

« For example, the Mercedes C204 sedan in Lithuania, 2012 or 2014 production. It is still recent, beautiful, but the chassis causes problems. We often find the rear beams, the so -called Traverts, rust or even rotting signs. Of course, Lithuanian winter, humidity, salts affect all cars, but some are particularly suffering, ”the specialist said.

Similar troubles and other Mercedes model – GLK. This compact city SUV, about ten years old, is attractive and affordable for Lithuanians. However, a beautiful body often hides weaknesses on the bottom – their front beam (chassis supporting construction) is severely rusty.

Condition: If the part of the customer’s installation turns out that they are inappropriate, the craftsmen also value their time. / Photo by M. North

The order is important

Another popular service in April is wheel alignment. When arriving, the drivers of the tires remember that they felt pulling to some side. Or it is evidenced by the uneven tire wear. True, the craftsmen are in no hurry to do so until they check the chassis.

« Sometimes a person asks for a signs, but when asked when the chassis is checked, he replies that it was done half a year or even a few years ago. We explain that without checking the chassis, it makes no sense to make a connection.

It is true that the condition of the tires is still evaluated, because if they have been worn unevenly for a long time, probably even after the entry will be temporarily tempted to some side. In this case, the tires should also be replaced. The order is also important in cases where drivers want to make a signs and then change the wheels at the occasion.

The masters are surprised by the strange attitude of the people to the quality of summer tires. The importance of winter tires is understood by most drivers, and in the warm season they are extremely worn out.

Often attempts are made to save using the same winter tires, although their properties are completely unsuitable for summer heat. Only when confronted with a situation on the road when it comes to stopping suddenly, drivers are convinced of how poorly the hot asphalt adheres to a winter tire. However, that understanding can be too late – the effects of an accident can be painful.

It is tricky: oil can also be changed in your garage, but not everyone has the right conditions. / E. Ovčarenko / Photo by BNS

Change the oil more often

After the winter season, it is important to check the fluids. Even without a specialist, a person who opens the bonnet can easily check the cooling system tank level, as well as brake and window washing fluids.

« When driving for a longer period of time or even during the winter, the car should still be checked by fluid. It is possible that leaks, moisture or other factors, are leaked, » Gineika explained.

Without checking the chassis, it makes no sense to make a wheel alignment as it would be a waste of money.

It is important to keep monitoring the engine oil level. Masters advise you not to wait for the manufacturer’s declared distance, and change the oil at least once a year, even if it is a few kilometers. Regular oil change is the best investment in engine health, so saving here is definitely inappropriate – engine repair is one of the most expensive.

Some oil manufacturers indicate that changes to their long use (Long Life) are recommended every 15-20 thousand. km. There are times when, for example, a new minibus, for example, recommends that the manufacturer recommend first maintenance of as much as 30 thousand. km. However, specialists note that 20 thousand. km, even in a new car, the oil can be broken and somewhat leaks – it adversely affects the engine performance.

« If you are already saving, buy a cheaper grease, but change more often. Of course, to preserve the best engine properties and lubrication, you should pour the oil recommended oil or high quality manufacturers such as Castrol and the like, » he said.

Revisors: According to visitors’ complaints, services can list the most potholed city streets. / Ž. Photo by Gedvila / BNS

Selection of parts

Mr Gineika said he was constantly confronted with established myths. One is that the older car naturally consumes more fuel than an analogous but newer model. He believes that a properly maintained car will remain as expensive as the manufacturer has stated.

It is true that if the costs have increased slightly in difficult weather conditions, it should not be worried. If you notice a significant increase, you should visit the garage and determine the reason for it. All the more so because it can be completely painless – say, after winter, condensation is sealed, the fuel filter is clogged, resulting in the fuel mixture that loses its optimal properties.

Another myth is that only original details are suitable for repair. According to the masters, they are most suitable, but money can be found much cheaper alternatives. It is true that you need to know which car assemblies or knots can save and which alternatives to choose, as some cheaper manufacturers may be very brief.

The craftsmen note that some customers are accustomed to bringing their details, and the garage only orders repairs. Such an option is possible, but far from always cheaper.

« There are garage that prevents the customer from bringing parts at all. We allow it, but in that case we warn that if part of the wrong, we will still calculate a small rate for the use of lifts and craftsmen. It takes more than an hour, and during that time the lift remains busy, so we cannot serve other customers.