Check your car before taking a trip

Whether it is a short distance trip or across the country, it is best to perform basic maintenance on your vehicle.

The best advice given by Phillip de Villiers, service manager at a local car dealer, is to perform basic maintenance on the vehicle.

Car services will ensure safety and the car will not let you down.

This is necessary to ensure a safe drive while going on holiday.

Phillip says a vehicle in tip top shape will have a better chance of staying reliable.

He shares the following tips:

• Inspect the tyres to see if they are worn evenly, check the balance and wheel alignment.
• Check if the battery is charged and the terminals are clean.
• Have the car’s brake pads inspected to make sure they are not worn or need replacing.
• An emergency kit, especially a flashlight, blanket, first-aid kit and some basic tools are important.

Phillip suggest you take extra water and snacks, just in case.

• Keep the wiper blades clean as they may cause poor visibility when dirty.
• Safety belts are there to be worn, even the children in the back seat.
• Keep to the speed limit and keep your distance.
• Plan your route and stop for refreshment and restroom breaks.
• Make sure you are driving safely and follow the rules of the road.
• Be extra careful in rainy conditions.
• Be patient and try to avoid road rage.
• Drive with your lights on, it gives more visibility to other road users.
• Keep smaller children in their car seats.

Children quickly get bored and this might cause the driver to loose concentration.

• Don’t drink and drive.

December is a bad time for accidents.

• Pack smart and check your vehicle’s load capacity to make sure you aren’t putting too much weight in the car.
• Make sure you pack enough snacks, water, games, videos, and music to keep children comfortable and occupied during your journey.
• Be safe and make sure to put everything away safely to prevent smash and grab incidents.
• Be sure to have the vehicle manufacturer’s roadside assistance number.

It might come in handy.

Phillip says it is always safe to have the dealer service manager’s number in case of emergencies.

“Happy holidays and safe driving,” he says.