December Holiday Road Trip Safety Checklist

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Post created: 15 December 2022


The December holidays are one of the most popular times of year and it’s a period where   South Africans travel the most. Before heading off on your next getaway or to visit family members that live far way – it is important to conduct a vehicle safety inspection to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers and other motorists on the road.

Check out AutoZone’s Pro Vehicle Inspection Guide to ensure that you’re set and ready to go on your next adventure to minimize the chance of costly roadside breakdowns from occurring.

1. Tyres

Whether it’s for your own safety or to optimize your fuel economy – your tyres play a crucial role in your vehicle’s performance. Ensure your tyres are in good condition by checking that they have sufficient tread, and there are no visual bulges or cuts on the side walls of the tyre/s. The following key-points are recommended:

– Get your tyres rotated if necessary.
– Check your tyres alignment.
– Check your tyres tread depth by ensuring that it is within the required limits – check your owner’s handbook for extra guidance.
– Check that your tyre pressure is within the stipulated limits / refer to the information sticker in the fuel flap or driver’s door side panel
– Inspect that your spare tyre is in road-worthy condition.

Shop AutoZone’s premium range of tyres brands online – https://www.autozoneonline.co.za/

2. Headlights & Tail Lights

Ask a friend or family member to assist you with inspecting the status and workings of your vehicle’s headlights by checking that the high & low beams are working correctly. Make sure to include checks that your tail lights are visible and are in working condition when you apply your brakes / indicator / hazard lights, as well as the number plate illuminating light.

AutoZone boast a comprehensive collection of auto lighting solutions that can be purchased online here – https://www.autozoneonline.co.za/

3. Battery

The last thing you want is to be stranded on your way to your holiday destination as a result of a dead or faulty battery. Before setting off on your trip, pull into your nearest AutoZone store to get your battery tested for FREE! If required, you can purchase a quality replacement battery or other battery essentials like; terminals / battery brackets and a set of handy jumper cables for the boot!

Locate your nearest AutoZone store and visit us today – https://autozone.co.za/store-locator/

4. Get your oil changed

While changing your oil, it is advisable to inspect your oil filter as well. Ensure your oil levels & filter meet the required levels and that no leaks are evident. Conducting proper and continuous oil inspections can prolong your engine’s lifespan. Additionally, it also protects your engine from overheating or being damaged by insufficient oil levels. It is important to remember that oils have two functions; to lubricate all internal rotating and sliding components, and to dissipate internal engine heat.

AutoZone’s exclusive ranges of synthetic motor oils are formulated to improve engine performance & protection, whilst also optimizing fuel consumption & fuel economy!

Shop yours online today – https://www.autozoneonline.co.za/

5. Brakes

Ensuring your vehicle’s brakes and wear levels are within the required safety limits can prove to be a lifesaver in any dangerous or unexpected event which may occur whilst behind the wheel of your car. It is advisable to change your brake pads every 75,000kms – although this may vary depending on your driving habits. Consult your owners-manual for your vehicle’s specifications. Harsh braking or late breaking can greatly affect the brake disc and reduce your pads lifespan.

Browse AutoZone’s reliable brake solutions via AutoZone Online today – https://www.autozoneonline.co.za/

6. Vehicle Fluids

Your vehicle’s essential fluids that need to be inspected before traveling include:

Power Steering Fluid – This allows you to steer your vehicle responsibly and accurately whilst driving.

Coolant Fluid – Having adequate levels of coolant will assist and prevent your engine from overheating in hot weather and/or freezing in cold conditions.

Transmission Fluid – Checking that your transmission fluid is of the correct level and effectively lubricates your transmission – it also maintains fluid pressure, prevents oxidation, conditions including gasket and rubber seal degradation!

Wiper Blades & Fluid
– Ensure your wiper blades are working correctly and that your windscreen washer bottle has enough fluid to clean your windscreen when you apply the washer and wipers to remove grime – especially in hazardous driving conditions. If you missed our previous piece on how to replace your wiper blades, it can be viewed here

Shop AutoZone’s premium range of wiper blades via AutoZone Online – https://www.autozoneonline.co.za/

7. Filters

Engine Filters – Over time, your engine filter accumulates a number of harmful particles like bearing material from wear, dust, dirt and other environmental contaminants. A clean filter prevents these foreign particles from entering your engine. Replacing filters can help you avoid issues such as polluting/fouling your spark plugs, or a misfiring/idling engine.

Cabin Air Filters – Your cabin air filters stop a number of harmful pollutants like dust and pollen from entering your vehicle through the air conditioning and air vents, and should be changed once per year.

Fuel Filter – Fuel filters help filter/strain dirt and unwanted particles from your fuel which may enter your fuel system due to underground silicone/dirt entrapment from the relevant garage storage tanks when you fill your vehicles fuel tank.  

Browse AutoZone’s comprehensive range of exclusive and leading filter solutions – https://www.autozoneonline.co.za/

Travel with complete peace of mind this December by shopping all your vehicle travel essentials prior to setting off on your journey. We recommend that you place extra emphasis on safety this December, with all of the above-mentioned components readily available at your nearest AutoZone store!