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- South African roads are among some of the most dangerous in the world.
- When it comes to the big Easter and festive holidays, our road fatality stats always increase.
- Motorists can help reduce these by ensuring their vehicles are in good driving condition and that they have everything they might need on the road.
Many of us are gearing up for road trips and family getaways this Easter weekend. But before you hit the road, it's essential to ensure your car is in top condition so that you will reach your destination safely.
Here are six things to explore before you start your journey.
1 Right to Repair
Familiarise yourself with the Right to Repair, a set of formal guidelines supported by the Competition Commission which allows consumers the freedom to choose their repair and service centres. There are many facets to Right to Repair, but perhaps one of the most relevant in today's economic climate, is it gives consumers the freedom to shop around for the best car service deals whether or not their car is still within warranty.
This includes the dealership they bought it from and many independent service providers (ISPs) that meet essential quality criteria.
Noelan Vandayar, managing director of independent workshop AA Autocentre, emphasises the importance of this: "Empowering consumers with the choice to opt for independent service providers promotes healthy competition and ensures fair pricing and quality service – making it easier for consumers to keep their cars in good condition and the roads safer as a result."
2 Tyre pressure and tread
Pop into your nearest tyre shop or even your local petrol station to check tyre pressure using a reliable gauge. Underinflated tyres can compromise safety and reduce fuel efficiency. Who needs that at the current petrol price?
Overinflated tyres are also a safety hazard as they can reduce control behind the wheel. All four tyres must be inflated to the recommended pressure. Once that's done, a quick look at your tyres will tell you if your tread depth is sufficient.
Worn-out tyres are hazardous and can blow out at higher speeds and increase your risk of skidding, especially on wet roads. Remember to check your spare tyre and ensure you have all the tools you need to change your tyre safely if you get a puncture on your trip.
3 The brakes
Test your brakes for responsiveness. Spongy or unresponsive brakes should be carefully checked and repaired. Confirm that your brake fluid was recently changed, as it is hydroscopic in nature, it picks up moisture from the air so needs to be changed every 12 to 24 months.
Also, check that your brake fluid levels are adequate and that there aren't any leaks. If there are, these should be fixed before you hit the road. Having a bottle of brake fluid in the car is always handy to top up if needed in an emergency.
4 Lights and indicators
Check that all headlights, brake lights and indicators are working correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and clean foggy lenses for optimal visibility, especially during night drives or if you anticipate tricky weather conditions.
Properly functioning car lights are critical for avoiding potential hazards, like potholes, animals, and broken-down cars, and they will go a long way in keeping you, your family, and other road users safe.
5 Your windscreen and wipers
Check and clean your windscreen wipers to make sure they will work appropriately if needed. You might need to replace them if they are damaged, although sometimes a simple cleaning will do.
Things to check for when testing them: difficulty sliding, rubbing noises, irregular movements and poor visibility. You should also check your windscreen for any damage or imperfections. If you spot any concerning cracks or chips, it's vital to have them fixed to prevent potential hazards.
6 Lubricants and other fluids
Check your car's engine oil, power steering transmission fluids and wiper fluid levels. One way to do this is to top up the fluids and then check for signs of leakage under the car. If there are, it's important to have them checked and repaired before you head off on your journey.
When it comes to oil, proper lubrication is critical for engine performance and longevity. Using better-quality motor lubricants is important for optimal engine protection and performance.
Choosing the right lubricants can significantly improve efficiency and reliability, which will help make your road trip a smoother and safer one.
A thorough check of your car will mean you can enjoy your Easter road trip with peace of mind.
Mercia Jansen is the Motul Area Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
