AS lockdown restrictions are further eased and holiday plans make their way back onto the family table, safety tips become a top priority.
Many car accidents can be avoided by ensuring the vehicle is well maintained and in good condition before leaving on a road trip.
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While many accidents are a result of human error, poor tyre condition and badly maintained vehicles contribute to the death toll on our country’s roads each year.
Therefore, to avoid problems when taking a holiday, practice these important tyre safety tips:
Inspect your tyres
Inspect tyres for wear and any damage, to avoid sudden problems.
Have a professional inspect the vehicle’s tyres every six months.
Ensure all four tyres are the same size as specified by the vehicle manufacturer, with the same speed rating and load index.
Rotating, balancing and aligning tyres every 10 000km will prolong the lifetime of tyres.
Check the pressure
Driving with incorrect tyre pressure can affect a vehicle’s handling and braking, particularly in wet conditions, and can seriously compromise your safety.
Check the tyre pressure monthly and before every long trip.
Respect the load capacity
Do not exceed the load capacity relative to the tyre’s load index.
Tyres loaded beyond their maximum capacity can build up excessive heat which may result in sudden tyre damage, with severe safety consequences.
Check the shocks
Worn shocks will not keep the wheels glued to the road, no matter how new the tyres are.
In an emergency situation, applying brakes can cause the tyres to lose contact with the road, increasing the chance of an accident.
Signs of worn shocks include: a vibrating steering wheel, bald patches on tyres and if the vehicle does not hug the road on bends and/or veers excessively in side winds.
Inspect your spare tyre:
Always inspect the spare tyre ahead of any long trip.
Ensure it is pumped to the correct air pressure and is in good condition.
A clean and disinfected car is important. Clean the air-conditioner vents by spraying them with a specialised cleaner and then remove and clean the filter.
Clean high-touch surface areas such as the steering wheel, knobs, switches and buttons by using a car interior cleaner.
Do not forget to clean the interior and exterior door handles as well as the car key.
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