13 Tips to keep your car fit for the festive season

The festive season is around the corner and thousands of South Africans are getting ready to take to the road on a well-deserved holiday. However, road safety is a big factor to consider before you can pack up your car to leave for your destination. While there are many safety tips out there, like watching your speed, and not drinking and driving, vehicle faults play a major part in accident rates on the roads.

“It’s essential to perform a multi-check on your vehicle – or to have it performed by a professional - to identify potential hazards, and prevent costly additional damage before it happens”, explains Martin van Wyk, spokesperson at Dialdirect Insurance.

While it’s always better to have your vehicle checked by a professional, the good thing is that you can perform many of these checks yourself.

Here are 13 things you should include in your checklist:

1. Check your lights and electrical system: Make sure your lights are in working order and adjusted correctly so that you can see and be seen (without blinding oncoming drivers). Your electric system (like wipers, indicators, speedometer, wipers, etc.) should also be in working order.

2. Windows and wipers: Cracks or chips on your windows – especially the front windscreen – can obscure your vision. Make sure they are fixed before you go on holiday. Wiper blades should also give you a clean sweep when used.

3. Wheels and tyres: Keeping the wheels of your car in good condition is important – after all, it is what connects your car to the road. Start by checking that the wheels are fastened securely, each tyre has adequate tread, the wheel alignment and balancing are in line, and that you have a spare tyre that is in good order.

4. Brakes: The condition of your brakes can make a significant difference when you need to stop suddenly. Ensure that they are in good working order before you hit the road – even if you are only driving a short distance.

5. Suspension: Make sure your car’s shock absorbers and other suspension systems are keeping your tyres firmly on the road.

6. Battery: A flat battery could leave you on the side of the road. Test your car’s battery to ensure it is delivering the right charge and charging correctly.

7. Belts and chains: Check to make sure are belts and chains are connected and in good working order.

8. Cooling system: Summer is hot and sweaty – even when you’re just relaxing in the sun. So, imagine how your car must feel on a long trip. Give your car a break by checking that your car’s cooling system runs smoothly, especially the radiator and water pump.

9. Filters and fluids: Your aunt may not have a filter, but your car has three! Make sure that all major filters – oil, air, and fuel filters – are clean and functioning well.

10. Exhaust system: Give your exhaust system a check for any leaks.

11. Body panels, mountings, and accessories: Check that all body panels, mountings, and accessories (including tow bars, trailers, catches, latches, and hinges) are properly attached and in good condition. Also, remember to not overload your car.

12. Safety and warning equipment: Safety always comes first, that’s why it is vitally important to check that all safety equipment is in working condition. This includes seatbelts, clips, airbags, and reflective triangles.

13. Insurance: Life happens, even when you’re on holiday. Make sure you are prepared for anything by having adequate insurance in place, as well as all the support and emergency numbers you need. It’s a good idea to have comprehensive insurance cover in place in case things do go awry.

14. These checks will go a long way in avoiding problems en route to your holiday, and your way back home, allowing you to have a relaxing journey knowing that your car is performing at its best and safest.

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16. Here’s to a happy holiday to all South Africans, and a festive Dezemba to all!

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