Hit the Road Safely This Holiday Season
The December holidays are here! And that means sunshine, road trips, and time spent with family and friends. Whether you’re heading to the coast, visiting loved ones, or exploring South Africa’s hidden gems, make sure your car is ready for the summer heat and long journeys ahead.
A few simple checks before you set off can make all the difference between a stress-free trip and a roadside emergency.
1. Check Your Cooling System
South African summers can be brutal on engines. Before you hit the highway, inspect your coolant levels and radiator hoses for leaks or cracks. Overheating is one of the most common causes of holiday breakdowns, so top up your coolant and make sure your radiator fan is working properly.
2. Inspect Tyres for Long-Distance Safety
Your tyres are your only contact with the road, and holiday traffic means you’ll be spending a lot more time on it. Check tread depth, pressure, and for any visible damage or bulges. Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption and overheat on long drives. Don’t forget to check your spare tyre and ensure you have a working jack and wheel spanner.
3. Test Your Battery
Hot weather can be just as tough on batteries as cold. If your battery is more than two years old, have it tested before your trip. The last thing you want is to be stuck at a petrol station with a car that won’t start.
4.Inspect Lights and Indicators
From sunrise to sunset, you’ll face changing light conditions, and if you’re travelling at night, good visibility is crucial. Test all your headlights, brake lights, and indicators. Replace any dim or blown bulbs. It’s a small cost that could prevent a big problem.
5. Check Brakes and Suspension
Extra weight from luggage, passengers, and holiday gear puts more strain on your brakes and shocks. If you notice squeaks, grinding, or vibrations, have your brakes inspected. Worn shocks can also affect your stopping distance and control, which is not ideal for long highway stretches.
6. Service Your Aircon and Cabin Filter
A cool cabin makes for a much happier road trip. Clean or replace your cabin air filter to help your aircon run efficiently. This also helps keep out dust and pollen when driving through dry areas.
7. Pack an Emergency Kit
Before heading out to your destination, make sure your boot includes essentials like a first aid kit, torch, jumper cables, a reflective triangle, bottled water, and a spare phone charger. Keep a list of emergency numbers handy too, especially roadside assistance and your insurer’s contact number.
8. Clean and Protect Your Car
Dust, sea air, and insects can take a toll on your car’s paint and windows. Give your car a thorough wash and apply a protective wax before your trip. Check wiper blades for cracks and make sure your washer fluid is full as bugs and coastal grime can quickly build up on windscreens.
9. Plan Your Route and Rest Stops
Plan your route in advance, take breaks every two hours, and share driving duties if possible and avoid travelling when you’re tired.
Before you pack the cooler box and get your playlist ready, give your car a quick summer check at your nearest AutoZone store. From batteries and bulbs to wipers and coolants, we’ve got everything you need to get road-trip ready.
