4 things to check before hitting the road this Chuseok

With the Chuseok holiday travel season bringing long hours behind the wheel, drivers are advised to check more than just their engine and tires before setting off — wipers, cabin air filters and the driver's floor mat all deserve attention. Heavy traffic will stretch drive times well beyond the norm, and autumn rain and fog can strike without warning.

Bullsone, a specialist automotive products company, on Friday released a list of four vehicle maintenance items to inspect before long-distance driving ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

The first is engine condition. A buildup of carbon deposits inside the engine can reduce fuel injection efficiency and combustion performance, affecting power output and fuel economy. Drivers who notice sluggish response or declining fuel efficiency before a long trip should have their engine checked.

Bullsone recommends its fuel additive "Bullsone Shot Signature Deep Clean" as a pre-trip maintenance product. The company says it contains 1.5 times more cleaning agents than its previous formulation and incorporates a detergent dispersant to help remove deposits from inside the engine.

Wiper condition is equally important for coping with sudden autumn rain or fog. If streaks or water marks remain on the glass after each pass, or if the wipers produce noise and vibration, the rubber blade may be worn.

Bullsone sells a related product, the "Silicon X Graphene Hybrid Wiper," which applies a graphene coating to reduce friction between the silicone rubber and the glass and to produce a water-repellent effect during operation.

Spending extended time inside the vehicle also makes it worth inspecting the climate control system. If the air conditioner or heater produces an unusual smell or weaker airflow than normal, the cabin air filter may be dirty or overdue for replacement.

Fine dust and other contaminants can accumulate in the filter over time. Bullsone's premium activated-carbon cabin air filter uses an activated-carbon layer to trap ultrafine particles and neutralize odors inside the vehicle.

The driver's floor area is directly linked to safety. A car mat that is not properly secured can slide forward or bunch up and interfere with the accelerator and brake pedals. Drivers should confirm that the fixing hooks are properly fastened before departure and remove any dirt or debris from the mat.

Bullsone sells its EZ Clean TPE car mat in vehicle-specific sizes. The product features an anti-slip underside structure and fixing hooks, and can be washed with water.

"Long drives and heavy traffic are a given on the Chuseok road home, so it is important to check your vehicle's condition before you leave," a Bullsone official said. "We encourage drivers to inspect the engine, wipers, cabin air filter and car mat, replace any worn consumables and, if needed, get a professional inspection so they can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey."

Meanwhile, Bullsone has been posting strong earnings growth. The company's consolidated sales for the first half of this year reached 91.2 billion won ($66.1 million), up 13 percent from the same period a year earlier, while operating profit of 7.3 billion won set a first-half record. The company said expanding its product lineup beyond fuel additives into categories such as car mats contributed to the earnings improvement.