HOLIDAY
TRAVEL
TIPS
As you gear up for holidays it is essential to ensure
your vehicle is in its best shape for the adventures ahead.
MasterDrive in association with Castrol, Santam and SATMC compiled tips to keep you and your family safe on the road during the holiday period.
Before embarking, remember proper vehicle maintenance is key to a stress-free and safe journey. Services are critical to ensure vehicle parts are protected. Then, check off these road trip essentials to be ready for whatever the open road throws your way and keep your vehicle and family safe with careful checks and clever planning:
HOLIDAY
TRAVEL
TIPS
INDIVIDUALS
1. Lubricate your engine:
Before you start your journey, make sure to service your car with a quality lubricant. An innovative engine oil will have intelligent molecules that cling to, lock and protect critical engine parts, providing non-stop protection from the moment you start your vehicle. It creates a forcefield of protection, reducing engine wear and tear by up to 50%.
2. Assess fluid levels:
Check your car’s fluid levels – such as coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid- are topped up. Low fluids can lead to overheating or reduced visibility.
Brake fluid maintenance should be done as part of regular vehicle service. It should be changed every two years. Additionally, check the owner’s manual for OEM guidelines.
The coolant system is often the most neglected part. Only ‘premixed’ coolants should be used in all vehicles. Water is not a coolant and can negatively impact the antifreeze level in the coolant.
A significant number of engine failures are related to coolant system malfunctions. Therefore, taking care of your brakes and cooling system reduces downtime and the unnecessary cost of repairs.
To reduce possible downtime and ensure total protection for critical parts, use an Castrol Oil Finder. online tool designed to help find the most suitable engine oil or lubricant for your vehicle. It is tailored to the make, model, year, and engine type of your car.
3. Check your tyre health regularly:
Tyre Pressure
- Tyres should be inflated to the level indicated on the inside of the driver’s door or user handbook.
- Under-inflated tyres may cause tyre failure because of movement in the tyre sidewall.
- Over Inflated tyres may decrease the traction on the road which can cause loss of control, skidding and increase chances of a collision
- Correctly inflated tyres are essential to maintaining full control of a vehicle.
Tyre Depth
- The legal requirement is that tread grooves have a minimum dept of 1.6mm, when measured at the tread wear indicator (TWI), located around the circumference of the tyre.
Tyre Plugs
- A tyre plug is a temporary solution.
- It should be properly repaired or replaced at an approved dealer.
- It is strongly recommended that tyres with shoulder or sidewall repairs are not used.
Second-hand tyres:
A second-hand tyre is not safe to use when you see:
- The tread depth is below the TWI (anywhere)
- There is no TWI
- Has damaged rubber exposing fabric or cord
- Cuts, lumps or bulges
Final tips:
- Do not forget to check your spare wheel, jack, and tyre-changing tools.
- This includes checking your puncture mobility kit.
4. Windscreen and wiper check:
Ensure that your windscreen is free of cracks and stone chips, which can affect visibility. Your front and rear wipers should be in a good working order at all times.
Remember to fill up your windscreen washer fluid.
5. Vehicle Service:
To avoid the inconvenience and expense of a mechanical breakdown, stick to the service intervals required by the OEM.
6. Paperwork checks:
Getting caught with an expired driving licence card or licencing disk is a hassle you can do without on your holiday. Also make sure any trailer or caravan licence discs are still valid and visible.
In the case of towing make sure your driving licence is the correct code for the trailer or caravan being towed.
Ensure the vehicle’s insurance is up-to-date and you have the emergency number for your insurance provider on hand.
7. Check battery health:
Check your battery’s voltage and terminals for any signs of corrosion or damage for a smooth journey. As an extra precaution, carry jumper cables for emergencies.
8. Emergency kit:
Keep an emergency kit that includes items like a first-aid kit, flashlight, road flares, blankets, and non-perishable snacks in your vehicle.
9. Brakes:
Get brakes inspected professionally. Squeaky brakes can compromise safety and handling.
Braking systems wear out over time. This is highly likely in urban areas where stop-start driving is more demanding on brakes. Brake pads, discs and fluid need regular maintenance.
To avoid squeaky and deteriorated brakes, get them inspected at a professional service provider such as a Castrol Auto Service. Certified members of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) and Motor Industry Worksop Association (MIWA) are recommended. This provides extra guarantees of high business standards and ethical service delivery.
10. Prepare for navigation and entertainment:
Update your navigation apps to avoid getting lost. Additionally, bring entertainment options, such as audiobooks, playlists or travel games, to keep your passengers engaged during long drives.
It makes long drives more bearable and provides opportunities to make the most of your time, learning and engaging with your favourite activities.
11. Planning your journey:
Deciding routes and rest stops beforehand makes long drives a less stressful experience – especially with little ones in the car!
- Check the news, listen to radio reports or check other traffic sources (e.g. @TrafficSA or #Traffic) for weather predictions, route updates and traffic alerts.
- Use apps to plan your route and potentially avoid congestion.
- Don’t drive too far in one day – tiredness and lack of concentration can cause accidents.
- Share the driving responsibility and take turns driving long distances.
Non-negotiable when driving:
- Some things are absolutely non-negotiable while driving – driving under the influence of alcohol or driving while distracted.
- Always ensure all passengers are wearing safety belts. If boisterous children distract you, don’t hesitate to stop for a rest and pack enough games to keep them entertained.
- Don’t overload vehicles. Is it really worth being the camper with the coolest gear if it makes your car top-heavy and unsafe on the road?
- Defensive driving tells you to think and look as far ahead as possible, anticipating what fellow drivers ̶ and pedestrians ̶ might do.
- Never disobey the speed limit and keep a safe following distance. Accidents often happen when motorists overtake, misjudging distances and timing.
- Look out for obstructions like potholes or animals, especially in rural areas.
- Be ready to respond to road hazards and always expect the unexpected.
