Prepare for long journeys:
Many people are worried about using their cars for long journeys, especially if their cars are old or have higher mileage. In fact, long trips are easier for your car than daily driving, but breakdowns far away from home can really ruin your vacation. A few simple checks will avoid many common problems. As with most things, it's best to start early.
Check the coolant
If the destination temperature is much higher or lower than home (e.g., Johannesburg to Durban), check or have your mechanic check the coolant's mixture of antifreeze and water to make sure the car is properly protected. If you need to replace the coolant, replace it immediately.
Check the tires
Make sure the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Low air pressure causes additional heat to accumulate, which can lead to a flat tire at high speeds. Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to check tire pressure. Also make sure to check the tire tread. Have you done a quarter of the tests? When the coin is in the tread, you should not see at least 2 mm of the coin, which indicates that the rubber is not worn and the tires can still be used.
Check the spare tire
Make sure the spare wheel is fully inflated and that the jack, wrench, and other tire changing tools are in the trunk. If your car has a wheel lock, make sure you have an adapter that tightens the lock nut.
Complete any planned maintenance
If you think your car will need an oil change or other maintenance during your trip, do it before you leave.
If you haven't checked your tires within a week, check them again. The tire pressure should be about the same as when it was last checked.
Check the air filter
A clogged air filter reduces fuel economy. They are cheap and easy to change. If the current air filter has been used in the car for more than 15,000 km, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Check and change tire pressure
Yes - tire pressure again! Many cars have two recommended ratings, one for light loads and the other for heavy loads and/or high speeds. If you're traveling with the whole family, head to your local garage and inflate your tires to a higher setting. You can find this information in the owner's manual or on a sticker on the door frame or fuel filler cover.
Check the wear of shock absorbers
Car shock absorbers keep your tires on the road, it is very important to have good shock absorbers, if you don't know how to check these, garages around the country can check them for you for free, we urge everyone to check these.
Fill up the tank
You can also fix it now.
Rest well!
Shockingly, many accidents are attributed to driver error, the largest of which is falling asleep behind the wheel, with a recent survey showing that 103 million people sleep behind the wheel in the United States alone, resulting in 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in damages. Rest for 7-9 hours before driving; This will make you more alert and prepared to respond.
Get the happy button
If you don't yet have some sort of roadside assistance program, or you want a system that can help with any road problem, Cartrack's Happy Button has you covered, from breakdowns, accidents, lawyer SOS, and even route directions, it's a one-stop roadside assistance shop!
On the day of the trip
Load evenly and carefully. If you are carrying many heavy items, place them in the front of the trunk and distribute the weight evenly.
During the trip, make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt, if you have a child seat, make sure it is installed correctly, park frequently to give your family and yourself some space, stretch your legs and hydrate with drinks and food, the journey is half the holiday, enjoy it, take it easy and don't overdrive.
For road rage
This is not a personal issue, so don't treat it that way. Most road rage incidents have less to do with what happened at the time and more to do with what happens to other things in people's lives. Don't fan the flames with a radical reaction. If you're wrong, a simple apology will fix the problem.
Just relax!
Take a few deep breaths before reacting to a bad driver. Controlling your breathing allows you to relax, lower your blood pressure, and make rational decisions. Forgive and enjoy your ride.
Pay attention to your mannerisms
Shuttling between lanes, "racing" other road users, rude gestures... This is an aggressive behavior that irritates others. Avoid falling victim to road rage by being polite to other drivers.
Traffic regulations
Perhaps the most important thing is to obey the traffic rules and ensure that all road users have a safe and enjoyable holiday, staying in the lane
