You might feel that the December holidays can’t come soon enough – but is your vehicle as ready for your trip as you are?
The combination of poor road maintenance and significant increases in traffic volumes can be hazardous during peak driving seasons. The good news is that many accidents can be avoided, not only by following guidelines for safe driving (such as taking regular rests along the road and obeying road rules), but also by ensuring that your car is ready for a long journey.
A pre-trip inspection should address the following points:
- Ensure your license disc is up to date, and check your insurance to make sure you understand your coverage.
- Check all lights and indicators, including headlights, fog lights, brake lights, and indicators.
- Inspect brakes for wear and damage, especially if your brakes are vibrating or making strange noises.
- Make sure you have a safety kit in your car, packed with a tyre kit, emergency triangle, torch, reflective tape, extra water, and first aid equipment.
- Check tyre pressure and tread on all tyres, including the spare.
- Have any fluid leaks checked out. Keep a lookout, especially, for leaks of green, orange, or yellow fluid under your car, which may be a sign of a leaky radiator or a defective temperature control device. Be sure to have faulty devices repaired before going on a long trip.
- The level of all fluids — engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid — should be checked before heading off, as low levels may lead to breakdowns.
- A crack in your windscreen can deteriorate quickly and affect visibility, so be sure to check this along with wiper blades — they should not squeak, streak, or screech.
- Check your battery to ensure that all connection points and cables are tightly fastened and that the battery voltage is at an optimal level. Look out for warning signs such as dimming lights while idling, or a clicking noise when the ignition starts.
- Electronic components must also be checked, as these provide information and warnings about the car’s performance. This inspection must include air conditioning, radio, GPS, and sensors.