Whether your destination lies just an hour out of town or you’re taking a lengthy road trip to another province, make sure your car is in tiptop shape before you hit the road.
Fill up
Make sure you’ve got a full tank of petrol before you start your journey. If it reaches halfway during your trip, fill it up at the next petrol station; you never know how far you’ll have to travel before you see another one.
Tyre talk
Ensure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure (this can be found on the inside door panel on the driver’s side or near the fuel tank). This is particularly important if you will be towing a trailer or caravan on your trip. It’s also vital to check that the tread of your car’s tyres measures at least 1mm across the circumference of the tyre and that there are no tears or bulges on the sidewalls. Don’t forget to check the condition of your spare tyre too.
Make sure you’re covered
Check the validity of your roadside assistance membership and what benefits your car insurance coverage entitles you to and what you’re covered for in case you have an accident or a break down.
Nuts and bolts
Top up your engine oil, brake fluid and the water for your windscreen washers. Check that your wipers, front and back, are in good working order. Inspect the condition of your car’s battery; you should replace it if it has been problematic.
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Lights on
Check that all lights in the front and in the rear of the car as well as the indicators and emergency hazard lights are working properly.
In case of emergency
Make sure that you’ve got a reflective warning triangle, a jack and spare tyre packed in your boot. It’s a good idea to pack a medical kit and a basic set of tools for the road as well.
Map your route
Whether your rely on an old-school map or the latest navigation technology to get you to your destination, always make sure that you’ve taken the time to familiarise yourself with your route. It’s a great way to plan a few pit stops along the way and be prepared should you unexpectedly have to re-route.
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Don’t overload the car
Do you know the maximum weight capacity of your car? You’ll find it printed on the driver’s door. If you plan on taking quite a few things with you, you’ll need to check this.
