The Festive Season is upon us again. The holiday decorations and jingles on the mall radios are popping up. Road trips are being planned and once again you can expect to find the usual coastal towns brimming with people looking for a break. Here are some road trip tips for staying sharp and travelling with your dog.
Related: Yearly maintenance is important. What to look out for.
Road trips are great. You can site-see , get to know your car a little better and just enjoy the journey. However, there are some items on your car that you need to check before embarking on any of your journeys to ensure a safe but trouble-free journey. Here are 3 things we advise.
1. Service
If your car has reached the prescribed mileage or 1-year mark, it's a good idea to service your car before you go about on your holiday. Remember, your car functions at its best when it is maintained. You reduce the risk of breakdown, which is what you don't want when you're in the middle of nowhere. Your fuel economy will improve and at the same time, you'll avoid big-ticket repairs. Many service centres or dealerships will also conduct multipoint checks to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape and sort anything that needs addressing. The multipoint check also covers suspension items, so if your shocks or bushings are tired, it's good practice to replace them in time for the holidays. It's worth noting what's the difference between a service and maintenance plan.
2. Tyres and brakes
Tyres are what connect your car to the road and brakes are paramount to stopping your car safely. As mentioned above, when you take your car to a service centre or dealership, part of the multipoint check includes your tyres and brakes. If your tyres and braking components are worn, replace them. If your tyres have reached the end of their lifespan (generally this is if the tyres are more than 5-years old but this differs from brand to brand) it's good practice to replace them, even if you have enough tread left on the tyres. One thing that tends to be forgotten is the spare wheel (if your vehicle comes equipped with one). Make sure there is air in the spare wheel, that it holds air, and that the tyre isn't cracked. There's nothing worse than having to change a tyre only to find out that the spare wheel can't be used. If your car uses a tyre repair kit, make sure the tyre sealant is still alright to use and that your air compressor works. It's good practice to have a tyre repair kit with you.
3. Air Conditioning
It goes without saying, air conditioning is rather important. Especially considering how hot and cold South Africa tends to get. Rolling down your windows in the summer months can only do so much. The majority of the time, if your air conditioning isn't blowing cold air, the system will just need a re-gas. Many service centres and dealerships are able to perform this service for you. Save yourself the stress and the sweat, and get your air conditioning sorted.
