If you are among the thousands of Filipinos who will travel to the province this long weekend in time for Undas (All Saints Day), then you need to ensure that your car is properly equipped and in tip-top condition for a safe and stress-free journey.
This Undas, Prestone, is joining anew the NLEX Corporation’s ‘Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko,’ an assistance program that aims to provide hassle-free travel experience to motorists traversing the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex).
Prestone booth during the Press talk Safe Trip Mo, Sagot ko, Undas 2019 at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City
To help you prepare for a safer and more convenient journey, Prestone, trusted brand of coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil, is also here to remind you to look closely at your BLOCBAGETS. This handy mnemonic stands for Brakes, Lights, Oil, Coolant, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, and Self. Simply put, it’s all the things you need to check before using your car for a long drive to prevent accidents or breakdowns.
Brake. To check if your brake system is not faulty, you should push the brake pedal all the way to the floor. It should not feel spongy and have little to no resistance. Make sure your brake fluid and other parts are still in good condition. Otherwise, you need to let a mechanic check if you are due for parts replacement, cleaning, or flush & fill with brake fluid.
Lights. Inspect your auto lights, such as the headlights, turn signal signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and tail lights, to ensure safety for nighttime driving. To confirm if they are working properly, test all the lights and check if the light beam reflects on the wall. It also pays to check your lights for dirt, cracks, and breakage. If there will be any, have them cleaned or fixed.
Oil. Cars need oil to lubricate its small engine components. Checking your engine’s oil level and color is important to keep the engine working and to prevent dealing with expensive repairs. When oil is below the minimum level, it’s time to refill. Look for leaks as well, since they signify that your car is losing oil quickly.
Coolant. Coolant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. If you want to prevent the overheating nightmare, then a simple check if your car has the right level of coolant can save the day.
Battery. Before you get in your car, make sure that your battery is well-charged and has clean terminals. Also, check if the cable-to-terminal connection is placed properly. By doing so, you can be sure to prevent being stuck on the roadside because your battery died in the middle of your driving.
Air. Your car’s tires should always be properly inflated to prevent accidents and decreased fuel efficiency. Use a tire pressure gauge to check if the tire, regardless if it is old or new, has the right inflation.
Gas. Do not forget to check your fuel level through the fuel gauge before taking your car for a drive. Ensuring a full gas tank, especially during long drives, can save you from the stress of looking for a gas station or being stuck in the middle of the road.
Engine. Check for engine problems, such as leaks and other sounds like pinging, tapping, knocking, or any weird noise, which may hint at any issues. If any of these are present, then better have a mechanic check it.
Self. Lastly, you should also be well-prepared for a long drive. Make sure that you are physically and emotionally fit to drive–free from sickness, dizziness, alcohol, and tiredness. Sleep well before the long drive.
To help you with your auto care needs, Prestone will be providing free top-ups and a 5-minute vehicle check at specific locations along NLEX, SCTEX, and CAVITEX.
From October 30 to November 3, 2019, 6 AM to 6 PM, visit the Prestone roadside SMSK motorist camps in SCTEX Floridablanca Lay-by (Subic bound) and CAVITEX Paranaque toll plaza and Kawit toll plaza.
Prestone will also be present in Petron Lakeshore along NLEX northbound in Mexico Pampanga; Caltex Mega Station in NLEX-southbound, San Felipe, San Fernando, Pampanga; and Shell of Asia in E1, Guiguinto, Bulacan to provide additional information as well as exciting games and freebies.If you want to grab exciting deals, Prestone products will also be available through its SMSK in Caltex Drive and Dine along NLEX Valenzuela, Metro Manila.
Image Source: Car and Driver, Dissolve
