"Before Long-Distance Driving for Chuseok, Be Sure to Check Your Vehicle First"

Kadak Provides Five Inspection Checklists

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] As this year’s Chuseok, the first holiday since the social distancing measures were lifted, approaches, there are forecasts that traffic volume during the holiday period is likely to increase further. According to Statistics Korea, an analysis of mobile phone movement during last year’s Chuseok holiday period showed a total movement volume of 249.93 million cases, an increase of 1.7% (4.24 million cases) compared to the previous week. The non-life insurance industry also reported that automobile insurance loss ratio increased to 84.8% during the holiday period due to a rise in car accidents, up 4.1 percentage points compared to August.

Therefore, it is a time when drivers need to exercise extra caution to prevent accidents. Also, since the probability of sudden car breakdowns increases during long-distance driving, it is essential to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before setting out on the trip home. Cardoc advises that drivers should first check the condition of their cars and then start driving by following five automobile inspection checklists to ensure safety before and after long-distance driving during the Chuseok holiday.

Tire Check

The main component of tires is rubber, which hardens over time in a process called ‘hardening.’ Hardened tires can cause major accidents, so it is essential to check for tire hardening.

Also, tire wear progresses faster during long-distance driving, so the degree of tire wear and air pressure should be checked before departure. Worn tires not only reduce the vehicle’s braking ability but also cause hydroplaning during rain, increasing the risk of safety accidents.

To check the degree of tire wear, insert a 100-won coin into the tire groove and observe the side with the portrait. If the tire groove has become shallow and more than half of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s hat is visible, it is time to replace the tires. Experts explain that the average tire lifespan is about 30,000 km and recommend replacing them every five years.

Battery Inspection

The average lifespan of a battery is about three years and should be replaced periodically. To check the battery inspection timing, open the vehicle’s hood and check the color of the battery indicator light. Green means normal, black means charging is needed, and white means replacement is necessary.

Brake Inspection

Brakes also need to be inspected. Brake oil is a fluid that helps maintain braking power, and it is recommended to replace it every approximately 30,000 km. Also, if the brake pedal feels spongy or makes noise when pressed, the brake pads should be checked. It is advisable to have brake pads inspected every approximately 20,000 km.

Engine Oil and Coolant Check

Engine oil acts as a lubricant to ensure the engine operates smoothly. If it is insufficient, engine parts may not function properly, leading to vehicle breakdowns. Although the replacement interval varies by vehicle, it is generally recommended to replace engine oil every 10,000 to 20,000 km.

Coolant, which cools the car engine’s heat, must be checked before long-distance travel for safety. The coolant level should be between MAX and MIN; if it is below this, refilling is necessary. Typically, coolant is recommended to be replaced every 40,000 km.

Vehicle Exterior Condition Check

After long-distance driving, it is also good to check the vehicle’s exterior condition. If scratches caused by foreign substances such as sand or stones after driving on unpaved roads are left untreated, the surface may corrode and become difficult to repair. Also, if insect carcasses are stuck, it is best to clean them with a dedicated product containing proteolytic enzymes, such as bug cleaner, before they turn strongly acidic.

Cardoc’s Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Yeri Park said, “As traffic volume increases, it is a time when special preparation for safe driving is necessary, so drivers should pay close attention to vehicle inspections,” adding, “If replacement of automobile consumables or exterior repairs are needed before Chuseok, we recommend using Cardoc’s services, which ensure drivers do not suffer any losses.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.