Road Trip Tips

Car care is necessary year-round, but especially before a road trip. An hours-long drive is a serious test for your vehicle. Check out our tips & advice and some car care tips before you embark on a road trip this summer.

1. Use a Sat Nav / Google Maps
A great place to start. Enter your start and final destination, and get an idea of timing. Adjust the route and see where you can go and how long it’ll take (you can also see if you’re just a few hours shy of somewhere you might not have originally thought of, but would love to visit).
2. Check your lights and electrical equipment
Check the horn and all the headlights and tail-lights. A spare headlight bulb might be useful on a long trip in case one burns out. If you have to replace a bulb on the road, the owner’s manual provides the instructions.
3. Replace worn-out or old windscreen wipers
Good visibility is vital for safe driving. Replace the windscreen wipers if they don’t clean properly or leave streaks. If you still have the original wipers, you can replace only the rubber refi lls. They cost less and can be purchased from Autobits Motorstore.
4. Ensure your Windscreen is clean
A dirty windscreen, side mirrors or the rear window hamper visibility and produce glare, especially when it’s dark. Clean your windscreen from the inside and outside. Clean the side mirrors, door windows and the rear window. Use a window cleaning spray. If you don’t have a micro fibre glass cleaning towel as in the photo, a paper towel will also work.
5. Check your tyre pressure and tyre Thread.
Ensure that your tyre pressure complies with the specs of the vehicle and check your tyre tread. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure will help to extend the life of your tyre’s, improve vehicle safety and maintain fuel efficiency. Worn tyres are particularly dangerous in the wet there is an increased risk of aquaplaning and losing grip.

Important to remember
If you find yourself drowsy while driving, pull over to take a short nap of 20 minutes. Make sure you are in a safe location and remember you’ll be groggy for 15 minutes or so after waking up.

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Road Trip Tips