66 / 100
Why a pre-ride checkup is your car’s best friend.
Ready, set, drive!
AUTOMOBILE
Whether you’re weaving through city streets or embarking on an epic road trip, one thing’s
for sure: your car needs to be more than just pretty on the outside. A reliable, well-serviced
car doesn’t just get you from A to B. It makes the entire journey smoother, safer, and far less
prone to unexpected (and expensive) drama.
From the rubber on your tyres to the fluids in your engine, it’s a good idea to give your car
a mini health check before you hit the road.
TYRES
Your first line of defence
Let’s start from the ground up — literally.
Your tyres do more than roll; they grip,
steer, and cushion your ride.
Before you go on a trip, check that they’ve
got enough tread to grip the road properly
especially when it rains. Don’t forget to
pump your tyres to the correct pressure.
Underinflated tyres mess with your
fuel efficiency, affect handling, and are
basically ticking time bombs for blowouts.
That spare tyre in the boot? Give it some
love. Check its pressure and make sure
it’s not flat or cracked. Prep all the tools
(jack, wrench, etc) you may need. If you
know how to use them, that’s even better.
FLUIDS
The lifeblood of your ride
Engine oil is a biggie. If it’s old or running
low, your engine could throw a tantrum
mid-trip. So check the oil level and top up
or change it if needed.
Don’t skip the coolant either. It keeps your
engine fromoverheating, especially when
you’re cruising for hours. And let’s not
forget the often-neglected washer fluid.
Driving with a dusty windshield or during
a sudden downpour without it? Instant
nightmare.
Brake fluid’s another quiet hero. Without
enough of it, your brakes might not
respond the way you need them to.
BRAKES
Trust your ears and feet
Brakes are your lifeline so pay attention
to any weird noise. If your brakes make a
squealing, grinding, or thumping sound,
it’s time to get them checked. If the pedal
feels spongy, sluggish, or too soft, that’s
also a sign to see a mechanic.
Catching small issues early can save you
from much bigger problems (and bills)
down the road.
1
2 3
64
BORNEO BULLETIN YEARBOOK 2026