Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Is your vehicle ready for the holidays?

By H&H Admin

It is important to prepare well for the trip, whether you’re travelling for just a few hours or embarking on a long road trip with overnight stops.

It’s been another tough year filled with mental and emotional stress, increased responsibilities, on-going financial commitments and uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic. 

As we get into the holiday season, taking much needed time off to relax is a definite must.  Restrictions on global travel present South Africans with a perfect opportunity to explore our beautiful country. However, it is also the time when the roads become congested with a high number of vehicles ranging from passenger cars and motorcycles to trucks and buses.

Here are some road safety tips to take note of before you set off:

Tyres

Before you set off, remember to check your tyres.  The tread on your tyres should be within the legal limit and the pressure should be adjusted especially if you have a heavy load. It is also a good idea to ensure that you have packed the correct tools with which to change a flat tyre and that the spare wheel’s pressure and tread are in good condition before you embark on your trip.

Lights

One of the most important (and cheapest to replace) items on your pre-travel checklist should be your car’s lighting system. Ask a friend or family member to help in ensuring that all lights including headlights, taillights, brake lights, hazard lights and indicators are working properly.

It is recommended to drive with your lights on at all times on a long journey, so as to ensure you are visible at all times. 

Brakes

Effective brakes are crucial on all vehicles, not only during long-distance driving but at all times. Brake pads should be inspected by a qualified technician – any squeaks or scraping sounds are signs that brake replacements are probably necessary.

Vibrations on your pedal when braking indicate warped discs, which are a sign that the brakes either need skimming or replacing.

Battery

It is also important to have your battery checked by an authorised dealer. This is a simple and relatively quick test.  While battery replacement can be relatively pricey, so could the cost of a tow truck if one is needed to come to your rescue.

Wipers

Streaks or smears on your windscreen are a sign that your wipers may need to be replaced. Driving through rain or a thunderstorm with worn wiper blades is an extremely dangerous and unnecessary risk, even more so on long drives.

Fluids

Most modern cars make the inspection of fluid levels such as coolant, power steering and brake fluid quite easy for the average driver. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, have them checked by your dealer or at the filling station. If the car is lacks any fluids, this could lead to overheating during the drive.

Driving for long hours on busy roads requires patience, staying alert and focused concentration, especially if you’re traveling with young children.

Be aware of other cars on the road at all times, drive within the speed limit and remember, safety first. A little respect goes a long way on the open road. Be mindful at all times.

Source: Wesbank Financial Services

Think Safety Even During the Holidays: Part 1

With the end of 2020 comes a well-earned break after a long and extremely difficult year. In the first installment of our 3-part holiday driving series, we focus on the importance of driver attitude.

With the end of the year comes a well-earned break after a long and extremely difficult year. Typically, there’s a lot of traveling during this period.  In keeping with Continental’s Vision Zero strategy that aims to reduce and eventually eliminate road traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities, we encourage all motorists and their families to play an active role in road safety this Festive Season. 

One of the most importance elements of road safety is the driver and his or her attitude when behind the wheel. Follow these basics of safe holiday driving:

  1. Rest Before You Drive: Have a good night’s rest before heading on any long journey. Around eight hours of sleep is ideal. 
  2. Don’t Drink and Drive: Drunk driving is a major contributing factor in road accidents and deaths in South Africa. Consuming just one or two drinks may put you over the legal limit. It’s simple: if you drink, don’t drive. And if you’re driving, be responsible and don’t drink! 
  3. Don’t Drive Distracted: Using a phone while driving has rapidly become one of the biggest causes of accidents around the world, and is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Use a Bluetooth car kit if necessary, and keep your eyes on the road! 
  4. Take A Break Every Two Hours: Take regular breaks throughout your trip, stopping approximately every two hours. Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents – so if you’re tired, stop to change drivers or have a rest. 
  5. Safety Belts: Safety belts must be worn by everyone in the car (both front and rear occupants), at all times. It’s your primary safety device, so don’t take chances! Young children should be strapped into an age-appropriate baby seat or a booster seat.
  6. Speed: Stick to the stipulated speed limits throughout your journey. Speed limits are set with your safety in mind, as well as that of fellow motorists and pedestrians. Rather take it easy and enjoy the journey! 
  7. Following Distances: Maintain a 3-second following distance from the vehicle ahead, which gives you space to slow down or stop if necessary. If visibility is reduced due to rain or mist, or when driving at night, increase the gap to 6 seconds. 
  8. Keep Left, Pass Right: The age-old rule of driving remains an important one, to ensure the smoothest possible flow of traffic, and to reduce congestion and frustration in traffic. Stick to the left lane, and use the right lane for passing manouevres. 
  9. Emergency Access: If there’s an accident ahead, keep the shoulder of the road clear so that emergency vehicles can make their way to the scene as soon as possible. Clogging the entire road only leads to further delays – both for the accident victims who may need critical medical care (you never know, it could be your family or friends), and for all of the affected road users.