It’s so easy to get excited about the upcoming holiday at the sea and forget about the car that is meant to get you there. It’s better to ensure it’s working fine before your departure than to be stuck on the road and wondering what’s happening to your holiday. So, tick the following boxes and off you go.1
Have you checked the tyres?1
There are only 4 rubber patches in contact with the road at any one time when you travel in your car. Ensure each tyre is at the correct pressure and the spare wheel. Details of the correct pressures to use are displayed on the driver’s door. Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption as well as extra wear. Overinflated tyres can lose their grip on the road. Check each tyre carefully for any damage, and any foreign objects such as nails.
Check the depth of the tyre tread1
Remember, the tyre tread depth on your tyres must not be less than the legal limit of 1 mm across the entire width and along the whole circumference of each tyre. If the tyre tread is less than 1 mm, you may have an issue with your insurer should you be involved in an accident.
Are all the car’s indicators and lights operational? 1
It’s easy to check if the headlights and indicator lights are working, but most drivers forget about the taillights. And don’t forget the brake lights, which you need to test while someone else is watching the car’s rear end. Again, other motorists must see what your next moves will be.
Test the brakes1
Without properly functioning brakes, any motorist is in serious trouble. If you are in any doubt about the brakes, have them checked professionally. If the brake pads are badly worn, it would be best to have them replaced immediately. Imagine that you suddenly hear the screeching sound of metal as you brake while on holiday.
Is the coolant at the correct level? 1
The car’s coolant ensures the engine does not overheat. That’s why it’s essential to check that the coolant level is not below the mark on the coolant container. If it is considerably lower, just make sure there isn’t a leak somewhere. In an emergency, keep a coolant bottle and a 2-litre plastic bottle filled with water stored in the boot.
Ensure all the other fluids in the car are topped up1
Some of the fluids you should check are the engine oil level, the brake fluid level, and the water level of the bottle for the windscreen.
Check the windscreen wiper blades1
If they show any sign of wear and tear, have them replaced immediately. It’s hazardous to be caught in a cloud burst, and suddenly, the wiper blades disintegrate while driving on a busy freeway.
The last item you should check before going on holiday is if your car cover is sufficient. Should your car break down, do you have access to roadside assistance and a towing service? These days you might not want to be stranded on the roadside for very long. PMD offers roadside assistance and can assist you with affordable car insurance products with great benefits like fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess*. Why not contact them? T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://fixxr.co.za/nine-checks-to-get-your-car-ready-for-the-holiday-season/
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.