Local newsNews

Holiday tips – Is your car holiday ready?

You’re packed and ready for the high roads and site seeing, but is your car ready for the trip? Follow this checklist to enjoy safe travels.

So you’ve updated your travel insurance, secured accommodation are packed and ready to hit the road.

But, is your vehicle road-trip ready?

To ensure the best possible experience on the road, Beame has put together a simple checklist to ensure yours and your loved one’s safety on the festive season’s busy roads.

ALSO READ: Cyclists and motorists must work together for road safety

The plan of action before embarking on your journey:

Check your fluids

Don’t wait for your dashboard to light up like a Christmas tree before checking your fluids.

Make sure your oil, coolant, brake fluid and water levels are filled to the brim before any road trip, to avoid an accident or breaking down.

Battery check

Check your battery to make sure it’s strong and that it has clean terminals.

If you don’t want to take your car in, you can clean it at home.

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of boiling water, grab an old toothbrush and scrub away.

Tyre Pressure

Correctly inflated tyres are not only a safety requirement but can also improve fuel efficiency by about four per cent.

It’s also important to bear in mind that, should you be carrying a heavy load, you’ll probably need to pump them up a little bit more than usual.

If you’re unsure of the correct inflation pressures, look on the inside of the driver’s door or under the fuel filler flap for a tyre pressure chart.

ALSO READ: Control your road rage

Do you have a spare tyre?

Knowing where your spare tyre is kept will save you some time, should you get a puncture.

Make sure that it’s in good condition.

Do the necessary checks that you would with your normal tyres and check that you have a jack that still works.

Map Planning

Look at the planning of your trip and avoid the rush days when there is bound to be heavier traffic on the roads.

If possible, leave a day sooner, or a day later.

Do the same for the return leg of your journey.

Lastly, remember to pack a first aid kit in your vehicle, always wear a safety belt and ensure that children are buckled-up appropriately.

 

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za

Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube 

Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.

Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
You can read the full story on our App. Download it here.

Related Articles

Back to top button