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The ASSIST 247 Is-Your-Car-Ready-For-The-Holidays checklist
You have been ready for this holiday since the last day of your previous vacation, but is your car ready? If you are planning on traveling long distances this holiday season, it is crucial to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape for your safety and that of your family.
Or look at it this way: the last thing you want is to be stuck on a middle-of-nowhere road in the sweltering heat when you’re already supposed to be sipping cocktails on the beach!
Here is the good news: While you worry about all the important things like which swimming costume to take or how many sarmies to pack for padkos, Assist 247 will take care of the rest. Thanks to this simple, easy-to-follow Is-Your-Car-Ready-For-The-Holidays checklist, you can hit the road with confidence.
- Check your tyres. Make sure they are properly inflated, and that all four are in good condition. Also, don’t forget the spare! Try to avoid the ‘donut’-style spares, and rather go for a proper, durable tyre.
- Make sure your car lights are in perfect working order. Start by cleaning dust and dirt off your tail, brake and headlights, and replace any dead bulbs if necessary.
- Ensure that your windscreen wipers are working, and that your vehicle’s wiper fluid container is filled.
- Replace the battery if it is more than three years old. Batteries are relatively cheap these days and as they say: rather safe than sorry.
- Inspect the bottom of your vehicle, to ensure that there are no leaks.
- Change the engine oil and check the filters before you leave. Also make sure that there is enough brake and clutch fluid in the respective containers.
- Take some time to test the temperature gauge before your journey. If the motor heats up too rapidly, it is a sign that your car might overheat during the trip.
- Stock up on car fluids – These include extra coolant, water and oil which may come in handy on the way.
- Be sure to pack an emergency kit. It should contain items such as a torch, flares, matches, first-aid kit, jumper cables, latex gloves, water, and non-perishable food. It is also advisable to pack basic tools like a screwdriver, wrench, pair of pliers, jack, and sockets to help you in the event of a breakdown.
- Visit the mechanic. If there is anything that you are even slightly concerned about you should make an appointment at the garage, as mechanics have the tools and expertise to check what you are unable to.
Heed the tips above for peace of mind in knowing that your car will go the distance – safely and efficiently. By definition, a holiday is supposed to be a stress-free time of revitalization, relaxation and fun. Thanks to the ASSIST 247 Is-Your-Car-Ready-For-The-Holidays checklist, you have one less thing to worry about, and the holidays suddenly seem that much closer!
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