Tips for your road trip this long weekend

If you’re thinking of hitting the road, it’s important to make sure that both you and your car are ready for the trip. It’s easy to put road safety habits on the back-burner when it comes to behaviours and the condition of vehicles. Red Bull has put together some nice tips on how you can get ready for the long drive ahead of the Easter break.

For an easy win, take a look at this cheat sheet of things to check before you take your next road trip:

1. Tread lightly

When it comes down to it, tyres are literally the first point of contact your car has to the road. On a long road trip or even just at the average highway speed, they need to be in prime condition. Check your tyres for surface damage and ensure your wheels are inflated to the correct tyre pressure. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pay attention to the tread depth – you’ll notice that most tyres have a tread depth indicator. Once you reach this ‘warning sign’ it’s important that you replace your tyres as soon as you can.

2. Be visible

Regardless of the time of day, it’s always important to be visible to fellow road users. You can do this by making sure all your lights work and checking that all your signal lights are active and visible. Pro tip: consider driving with your lights on even during the day when hitting the long road and always make sure you double check when moving from one lane to the next.

3. Check your liquids

To avoid any unnecessary breakdowns or compromises on your car’s efficiency levels while on the road, be sure to check your fluid levels. Check under the bonnet and ensure your coolant, oil, brake fluid and windscreen wash levels are all topped off.

4. Wipe it off

Your car’s windscreen wipers can wear out over time. It’s possible that they can dry out or crack too – if you notice any of those signs you’re definitely due for a replacement. Make sure your windscreen wipers are functioning at their best by testing whether they get rid of water with ease – you can use windscreen wiper fluid or some water for this.

5. Stay Alert

Keep your senses alert while you drive – listen out for any unusual engine noises, like hissing or a low-pitch hum, and pay attention to any shudders in the clutch. Caffeine is known for its stimulating effects on the body – particularly when it comes to mental performance. When the right level is consumed it’s got the potential to positively impact alertness, concentration, and concentration. One can of Red Bull contains 80mg of caffeine – about the same as in a cup of coffee.

6. Take a brake

Your brake pads should be checked when the car is stationary, by checking the actual brake pads, and when the car is in motion in order to check the performance. If you notice your car pulling to either side when braking in motion, you’ll need to get your brakes checked and replaced in order to ensure your vehicle is fit for the road.

7. Spare a thought

Above all, be patient and polite on our roads. Life is too short to be either the aggressor or the victim of road rage. Road conditions can be challenging – it doesn’t hurt to just relax and enjoy the ride.