PREPARING FOR A ROAD TRIP

Easy checks you can do yourself before setting off

Post-Covid-19, it’s starting to look like more and more Kiwis will be skipping the sky for some time on the road. These school holidays, road trips are an attractive option for a local getaway.

Before you set out on that eagerly anticipated road trip, it pays to make sure your vehicle is 100 per cent capable of getting you to your destination safely.

Safety is paramount, but you also want to avoid time pulled up on the side of the road waiting for roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown.

Here are some easy checks you can do yourself before heading off.

Tyres

During a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection, tyres are one of the most obvious areas of neglect, as there’s greater opportunity for them to develop uneven wear or become worn out completely within 12 months.

Check tyre pressures and don’t forget to check your spare. Underinflated tyres use more fuel and therefore cost you more money.

You can measure the tread on your tyres by using a 20c piece; measuring from the bottom of the coin to the “20” or writing edge is approximately 2mm.

If you have this depth of tread you are within the guidelines, but you’ll need to get them replaced soon, as 1.5mm is the minimum legal depth to pass your WoF.

Run your hand around the circumference of the tyre to check for cuts, bulges and uneven wear. If unsure, consult a tyre professional — you may even need a wheel alignment and balance if you’ve not had one in the past 12 months.

Vision

Clean all glass, including your mirrors.

Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition, and if in doubt invest in some new ones. Make sure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up and fresh detergent has been added.

If you have a crack in your windscreen, get it repaired through AA Glass before you hit the road, as heat and travel may cause it to increase in size.

AA Shop has a selection of quality products to ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Check out Rain-X Anti Fog and Rain-X Water Repellent to prevent vision problems before they begin.

Lights

Check that all your lights are working, and all lenses are clean. Holiday times are all about being safe and seen.

Cooling system

Make sure your system operates as it should. If you have to regularly top it up, get it seen to before hitting the road. Things will only get worse if you don’t.

On average, AA Roadservice attends 7500 callouts a year that are related to cooling system issues; many of these could have been avoided if regular checks were conducted.

Towing

Our trailers, boats and caravans aren’t used as frequently as our other vehicles and things may have deteriorated while they weren’t being used. Always check the wheel bearings of your trailer or caravan to make sure they’re not loose or noisy, and make sure you’re carrying a spare tyre for them. Ensure that all lights and indicators are operating correctly.

Service

It’s important to check the engine oil level and top it up if required before heading off on a long road trip. If the distance you’re about to cover on your road trip will take you into your next service interval, arrange to have your vehicle serviced before you head off.

Most workshops are very busy just before a significant holiday period, so be sure to book your service well in advance.