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
Euromaster is the network of workshops specialized in the comprehensive maintenance of vehicles throughout their useful life. Its more than 80 workshops in Portugal contribute to the road health of the automotive fleet, both passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as new forms of mobility and fleets, providing a quality service and capillarity to adapt to your needs. Its services cover not only preventive maintenance, but also predictive maintenance through data and critical point analysis. Part of the Michelin Group, Euromaster is present in 19 European countries, with more than 2,500 workshops, 10,000 professionals and 1,600 mobile units. More information at www.euromaster.pt