South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, from the sun-kissed beaches of the Garden Route to the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg mountains, beckon adventurers to hit the open road. There’s nothing quite like a road trip through our diverse and stunning country, creating unforgettable memories with family and friends along the way. Before you set out on your road trip, however, it’s important to ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. South Africa’s varied terrains and often challenging driving conditions require a well-maintained vehicle to truly enjoy the experience. While the open road calls hold great promises of excitement, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your road trip remains a source of joy. The best adventures are those where the only surprises are the good kind, like stumbling upon a hidden gem of a viewpoint or finding the perfect roadside picnic spot.
Get your car road trip ready!
Let’s talk about getting your wheels ready for your epic road trip. South Africa’s roads can throw a bit of everything at us – from smooth highways to cheeky dirt roads that make you feel like you’re on a safari. Before you hit the road, let’s make sure your car is up for the challenge. Consider it your way of ensuring your road trip is all adventure, and worry-free. Make sure your spare tyre is inflated, pack your car toolkit, and some emergency supplies. Next up, let’s go through important checks you need to do on your car.
Key steps for road trip preparation
Before leaving for your journey, you need to ensure your car is safe. You can do this by doing the following:
Tyre inspection
When preparing for a road trip, you should conduct a basic tyre inspection. Start by checking the tread depth of your tyres using a tread depth gauge or the “coin test.” If you insert a R5 coin, the tread should be at least as deep as the tip of the wildebeest’s tail. This will ensure that your tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread depth, the minimum tyre tread depth allowed by South African law. If your tyre tread is coming close to this level, make sure you replace them before your road trip for safety purposes.
Next up, grab a tyre pressure gauge and check the pressure in all four of your tyres, and don’t forget to check your spare tyre. If you’re not sure how to do it, ask a petrol attendant to help. Make sure your tyre pressure is within the range recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Keeping your tyres properly inflated is super important for a safe and smooth ride.
Before you set off, have your wheels aligned and balanced
Misalignment can lead to uneven tyre wear, which shortens the lifespan of your tyres, and affects your driving and fuel efficiency. Before you hit the road, consider having your tyres professionally aligned and balanced to prevent these issues.
Check your brakes
Checking your brake pads before a road trip helps you identify any signs of wear and tear, such as thinning pads or uneven surfaces. Worn brakes may not be able to slow down your car in time to avoid a collision, making them one of the most critical safety components of your vehicle. Over time, brake pads wear down and become less effective, which significantly reduces your car’s stopping power and increases the risk of accidents.
To check if your brake pads are worn, you can visually inspect them, without removing your wheels. Look through your wheel spokes to see the outer brake pad pressed against the brake disc. If you see less than 3mm of the pad visible, it’s time for an inspection. If you’re not too sure what you’re looking for, rather schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic.
Vehicle maintenance
Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial for ensuring your car performs optimally during your long weekend getaway. Here are some important checks to include in your preparation:
Fluid checks
When preparing your car for a long weekend getaway, conducting thorough fluid checks is vital for ensuring optimal performance and safety. Start by checking your engine oil level using your car’s dipstick, making sure it falls within the recommended range. You can have your oil checked and changed at your local petrol station, while you fill up on petrol before setting off.
Next, check your coolant level in the reservoir to ensure it is within range. You can use the guide on the reservoir to judge this. A proper coolant mix is crucial for preventing overheating during long drives in hot weather.
P.S. Don’t forget to top up your windscreen fluid!
Battery health check
A faulty battery will mean your car won’t start. The last thing you need is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery. Always inspect your battery before a road trip. Begin with a visual inspection to look for any signs of corrosion around your battery terminals. If you notice corrosion, you can clean it using a mixture of baking soda and water. Make sure to disconnect your battery before doing so to ensure your safety. If your battery is over three years old, you should have it tested at a local battery shop, or by a mechanic, before heading off on your road trip.
Check all your lights
Always check your car’s lights before a long weekend getaway, especially if you’re going to be driving during the early hours of the morning, or late in the evening. Start by testing both your normal lights and your brights to ensure they are working correctly. Remember that dull or burnt-out headlights can significantly reduce your visibility at night or in poor weather conditions, compromising your safety on the road.
Next, have a friend or family member assist you in checking that all taillights and brake lights work properly when you press your brake pedal. Don’t forget to test if your indicators are working too. Lastly, don’t overlook your hazard lights, as these are important for alerting other drivers in case of an emergency or breakdown during your journey.
Wipers and Windscreen
You need good visibility to ensure you’re safe on the road. Take the time to check your wiper blades for any cracks, tears, or signs of wear. Replace them if necessary to ensure they work as they should. Fill up your wiper fluid reservoir with water, or high-quality solution of windscreen fluid. This will help keep your windscreen clean and clear, improving your visibility, no matter the weather conditions you’re driving in.
Be ready for a disaster
If possible, try to assemble a roadside survival kit to keep in your car during your road trip. Having some of these items readily available can provide peace of mind and help you handle unexpected situations on the road. You should include some of the following items:
- Spare tyre: Ensure it is properly inflated and in good condition.
- Reflective triangles: Alert other drivers of your stopped vehicle.
- First-aid kit: Contains important medical supplies in case of minor injuries.
- Jumper cables: For jump-starting a dead battery.
- Flashlight and batteries: For visibility in case of a breakdown at night.
- Multi-tool or pocket knife: Useful for various tasks.
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks: In case of unexpected delays.
- Directions/map: In case there is no signal for navigation apps
- Power bank/charging cables: Incase your phone battery runs flat.
- Emergency phone numbers: You need to know who to call in emergency situations.
Don’t forget about the insurance for your car
As you prepare for your road trip, checking your tyre, brakes, and fluids is important, but it’s equally important to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle. South African roads can be unpredictable, filled with potholes and debris that pose a constant threat to your tyres and rims. With the potential cost of tyre replacements exceeding R2,000, having the right insurance coverage can save you a great deal of money, and keep your wheels moving.
Tyre and Rim Insurance from Bidvest Insurance gives you cover for damage caused by road hazards, including potholes, debris like glass or metal, uneven road surfaces, and other unexpected obstacles. Rest assured, thanks to Tyre and Rim Insurance, if your tyre is damaged by a road hazard, it can be repaired or replaced, without breaking the bank. Don’t have regrets when it comes time to replace a damaged tyre, get Tyre and Rim Insurance before your next long weekend getaway.
