Increased demand for rural tourism and the consequent increase in off-road driving also put tires at risk and make it necessary to replace the car's cabin filter.
Lisbon, August 1st, 2023 - Data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) shows that, among the accommodation segments, rural and residential tourism was the only one to exceed pre-pandemic figures in 2022, recording growth of 41.6% compared to the previous year. With the demand for this type of accommodation comes an increase not only in travel on paved roads, but also in driving on unpaved roads. One of the main risks of this type of driving is the breakage of axle shafts, which can cost more than €500, according to Euromaster, a network of workshops specializing in comprehensive vehicle maintenance.
Transmission failure is one of the most common breakdowns on an off-road tour, as a pothole or a strong impact can cause the bellows of the transmission to become loose and break.
Furthermore, if this situation occurs, the vehicle's braking is compromised. Specifically, when the bellows break, they begin to expel grease, falling onto the brake discs and limiting the car's braking capacity.
The rear wheel bearing, which is the last part of the transmission system responsible for turning the wheels, is perhaps an unknown element, but if it is not properly maintained, it may have to be replaced, according to Euromaster.
Other risks of off-road driving
Driving on dirt roads also poses risks for the tires. Sometimes small stones and edges damage the tires and get into the tread, damaging the rubber. In this case, it is advisable to remove them, as they can cause a slow puncture and later lead to a blowout.
On the other hand, contact with "dust" and pollen on unpaved roads makes it necessary to replace the cabin filter. In addition, the vibration of cars on off-road terrain affects other elements such as the vehicle's suspension, shock absorbers and bearings.
Special attention to the first trip of the year
In addition to driving on unpaved roads, summer is one of the busiest times of the year for vehicles. For this reason, Euromaster recommends having your vehicle checked beforehand, both for maintenance and safety reasons, to avoid any incidents. Periodically making short trips is not the same as making a long trip, as it requires more effort from the vehicle's mechanics and components.
In fact, it is essential to check tire pressure to ensure road safety, which is included in the free 12-point preventive check offered by the Euromaster network to all users at any of its workshops.
About Euromaster
A Euromaster é a rede de oficinas especializadas na manutenção integral dos veículos durante toda a sua vida útil. As suas mais de 80 oficinas em Portugal contribuem para a saúde rodoviária da frota automóvel, tanto de veículos de passageiros como de veículos comerciais, bem como das novas formas de mobilidade e frotas, proporcionando um serviço de qualidade e capilaridade para se adaptar às suas necessidades. Os seus serviços abrangem não só a manutenção preventiva, mas também a manutenção preditiva através da análise dos dados e dos pontos críticos. Parte do Grupo Michelin, a Euromaster está presente em 19 países europeus, com mais de 2.500 oficinas, 10.000 profissionais e 1.600 unidades móveis. Mais informações em www.euromaster.pt