AUTO TORQUE

Get ready for the holiday season with our Summer Holiday Travel Tips

Buckle Up: Make sure you, and all of your passengers are wearing your seatbelts. If you have young children in the vehicle with you, ensure their car seats are fi ed correctly and according to the instruc ons

Slow Down: Drive with the traffic and s ck to the speed limit. It only takes a split second to lose control in wet condi ons

Safe Distance: Drive at a safe travelling distance, especially in poor weather - double the two-second rule and leave a safe distance between you and the car you are following

Take a Break: Driver fa gue - especially on long journeys - can be fatal. If you feel as if you are ge ng red then either swap driving with someone else or take a break, even a quick nap will help Don’t Use Your Mobile Phone While Driving: Pull over if you need to make a call or send a text

Be Pa ent: With heavy traffic people’s pa ence can be stretched. Just take a few deep breaths and drive to the traffic condi ons. If you miss your exit, then carry on to a safe place and turn around. If you are running late then don’t rush, it is be er to be late and arrive in one piece than rush and not get there at all

Brakes: Brakes are your vehicles most important safety system. Have them checked before driving long distances

Fuel: Keep the gas tank at least half full, and fill up early to avoid delays

Ba ery: Have the ba ery and charging system checked for op mum performance

Fluids: Check the engine oil, brake fluid, gear fluid (for Automa c and manual gearboxes), and your windscreen washer fluid are all at op mum levels. If you are unsure how to do this, see your local friendly mechanic

Exhaust System: Get your exhaust checked for leaks. Carbon Monoxide can be especially dangerous when driving with the windows closed

Lights: Check that all interior and exterior lights are working, and that the headlights are properly aimed on the road

Prepare: Stock a kit with sunscreen, insect repellant, windscreen cloth and liquid, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bo le of water and dry snacks

Tyres: Check tread depth before driving on the roads, and consider checking the tyre pressure weekly Tune Up/service: Schedule a tune up or service before the holiday season sets in

An freeze: Get your radiator checked. If necessary, get your radiator cleaned, flushed and put new an -freeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every 2 years

Dip Your Lights: When travelling in the rain, drive with your lights dipped for increased safety and visibility

Don’t Drink and Drive: Organise a Sober Driver, use a taxi, Uber or courtesy vehicle if one is available