Wherever your destination for the Easter weekend or the holidays, you need to make sure that your car is road trip ready so that your break-away is not ruined by car trouble.
Use this maintenance checklist to prepare your car for the road:
Pop the hood: Check the engine oil, and water and brake fluid levels, and top up as needed.
Check the battery: Note any warning signs, including when your car starts sluggishly or if the engine light comes on. Inspect the battery – if there are leaks or if the battery looks swollen, you should replace it.
Take a look: If windscreen wipers are streaking, skipping, slipping or squeaking, it might be time for new blades to ensure optimum visibility.
Clean it up: Dirty windows and mirrors increase glare and decrease visibility, so clean it.
Check your tyres: Inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure. Be sure to check the tread too.
Do not forget to check the condition of your spare tyre.
Remember the lights: From front to back, check that all the lights are working. This includes indicators, brights, and emergency hazard lights.
Do not overload the car: A car has a maximum weight capacity. Exceeding that capacity puts your safety at risk, as overloaded vehicles are less stable and can be difficult to steer.
Overloaded vehicles are sluggish at overtaking and also take much longer to stop.
Map your route: Always make sure that you have taken the time to familiarise yourself with your road trip route.
Typically, traffic volumes on all South Africa’s major routes – the N3, and N1, and the N2 to Cape Town – increase over the school holidays, as holidaymakers travel. Always have an alternative route in mind, and stay up to date with road conditions and traffic issues on your planned route.
Make sure you are covered for any eventuality on the road. Members of the Automobile Association (AA) can enjoy peace of mind travelling, knowing they have access to roadside rescue and emergency medical assistance when needed.
- Visit aa.co.za for more detail.
