Opel offers four checks that all drivers must pass before traveling on Easter.

During Holy Week, many Colombians take the opportunity to escape from everyday life and travel the roads in their cars to celebrate religious holidays and discover the tourist destinations the country has to offer. However, vehicles must be fully inspected before embarking on any trip to avoid unpleasant surprises, fines and inconvenience.

These dates usually account for the largest number of road trips in the country. In 2022, the Traffic Police assured that more than 8.7 million vehicles were mobilized on the country’s highways during these religious holidays, of which 2.4 million passed through Cundinamarca and 1.3 million through Bogotá.

To take a trip through Colombia’s topography, Opel, a German manufacturer with over 160 years of history, and its product coordinator Santiago Losada present four important sights that should not be forgotten while traveling on the road.

1- Mechanical Technical Review (RTM) up to date:

Before leaving on a trip, it is important to check the validity of the RTM in order to avoid a fine or arrest of the vehicle by the traffic police. In addition, it is important to remember that the first inspection of a new car must be carried out from the sixth year on the day of registration.

2- Make sure the light is working properly:

On the road, you may encounter different climatic conditions that can affect visibility on the roads due to rain, dust or fog, so it is important to have good interior lighting that is in order. In the event of a blown bulb, some cars will have no choice but to go to a workshop to replace it, especially if they are xenon or LED. In contrast, there are intelligent LED lighting systems such as those of the Opel Grandland which, with the IntelliLux system, can maintain the driver’s visibility without affecting the vehicle on the other side of the road. In addition, they have automatic adaptation to fog, rain and darkness.

3- Liquid level in the car:

There are more fluids in cars than you might think. For this reason, it is necessary to check that all fluids are in order and are not going to spill onto the road, or that cars stop working properly due to their lack.

• Engine oil: It is important to control the quantity and quality of the oil. This should be done with a cold engine, making sure that the oil level is not at its lowest level.

• Antifreeze: it should never be tested hot.

• Transmission oil: especially important in the case of cars with an automatic, where it must be checked with the engine running.

• Brake fluid: It must not be older than two years and must always be between the minimum and maximum marks.

For example, Opel cars have to change the oil every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, unlike others that have to go to the workshop more often, since the oil needs to be changed every 7,000 km.

3- Security elements

In addition to preparing the suitcase, checking documents and analyzing the itinerary, it is important to take other preventive and safety measures, such as checking that the travel kit is complete and up to date. What are the required subjects? Article 30 of the National Road Traffic Code establishes that road equipment must contain at least:

• A jack capable of lifting a car

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• Two triangular road signs in reflective material with supports for vertical placement or flashing or flashing amber warning lights.

• A first aid kit, which should include at least: gauze, cotton, elastic bandage, micropore, scissors, alcohol and saline.

• Fire extinguisher

• Two plugs to block the car

• Basic tool box, which should contain at a minimum: pliers, screwdrivers, spanner and fixed wrenches.

• Spare wheel

• Flashlight

Opel cars undergo 100% quality control. After-sales service has a multi-point view of the car: (Suspension, steering, brakes, car environment, fluid level and lighting). In addition, Opel services vehicles within 24 hours or the service is FREE. Does not apply to vehicles older than 10 years. This must be done by appointment. Not applicable for hidden damage or additional repairs. Applies only to maintenance by mileage according to the maintenance plan of the car model specified in the warranty book, from Monday to Saturday without additional operations and requirements.