After having crisscrossed the island frolicking your way to glory during the festive season, your car now needs to be pampered before you start shuttling through your home-workplace routine. Here are a few post-vacation must-do before you hit the road for work.

Been to the beach lately?  Then your vehicle has been in contact with the sand that can get into any part of the car’s interior and mechanical components. It is likely to damage the bodywork. Moreover, when it comes into contact with the marine air, it brings back salt which is abrasive. So, first thing first. Wash your car even more carefully, paying particular attention to the underbody, the corners of the chassis, the wheels and the exhaust system.

Checks and balances…

If you have been driving extensively while on vacation, you may need to consider servicing your car. Check the level of the various fluids – brake, engine oil, cooling, and windscreen washer. Replenish if necessary.

Remember that the tyres and fluid level checks must be carried out when the vehicle is parked, with the engine off for at least two hours. If the servicing deadline is approaching, an engine oil change may be required.

Also, check the condition of your tyres, and make sure they have the right pressure and the wheels are well balanced. Wrong pressure level could cause premature damage to your tyres and lead to loss of control, especially on slippery roads during the (hopefully!) upcoming heavy summer rains.

Make it a point to check that all the compulsory items are on board your car, such as warning triangle, fire extinguisher, up-to-date insurance and registration stickers as well as technical inspection certificate, if applicable.

With these checks and precautions, you are now ready to drive back to work safely, serenely and stress-free!