You might be ready for the summer, but is your car?

Wednesday, 13 December 2017

By planning ahead and knowing what's happening on our roads, you can consider taking an alternative route, avoid delays and stay safe on our roads.

It is almost that time of year when most Kiwis head off for the summer to make the most of the amazing country that we are lucky enough to live in.

While it is easy to be focussed on finishing work and sorting that summer holiday accommodation, how many of us actually stop and think about our cars during this time?

The car is a vital part of that summer holiday so it's important to minimise any dangers.

After all, the car is a vital part of that summer holiday, particularly if it is an epic road trip you are heading out on.

While we may simply take it for granted that if a car has a current warrant of fitness, then it is all set for the road trip, but things can deteriorate since your car was last checked for a warrant.

New Zealand is a beautiful country but it's sometimes challenging environments and roads can present all sorts of unforeseen issues.

It is, however, incredibly simple to do a quick check on your car's essentials before heading out. And, no, we don't mean that the stereo is working properly, although this IS vital to a summer road trip.

A good habit to get into before any long trip - and, indeed, on a regular basis, such as each time you fill up with gas or every month or so - is to do a quick circle around your car. A twirl, if you will, or even a TWIRL!

TWIRL is an easy way to remember the vitals that need to be checked, with Tyres, Windscreen, Indicators, Rust and Lights making up the quick TWIRL checklist.

Making sure your tyres have a good depth of tread (1.5mm is the legal minimum, but more is always better) and are in good condition, that your windscreen is clean, clear and undamaged (not forgetting your mirrors and rear window as well!), all of your indicators are working, there is no rust in any of the vital structural areas of your car and that all of your lights are in proper operating order is a simple and quick process that involves little more than a quick circuit around your car that only takes a few minutes at most.

Of course, it goes without saying that if you see anything amiss then taking it to a professional to remedy the situation is essential.

Doing this at least a week before you head off for the summer should give you plenty of time to sort out any faults. Getting into the habit of doing it on a regular basis between WOF checks is not only great for safety and your peace of mind, it can also be better on your pocket, particularly if you catch a small issue before it blossoms into a very big one!

New Zealand is a beautiful country that is the perfect place to have an amazing summer holiday in, but it's unique and sometimes challenging environments and roads can present all sorts of unforeseen issues.

By planning ahead and knowing what's happening on our roads, you can consider taking an alternative route, avoid delays and stay safe on our roads, change your planned travel time, or factor in disruptions so you can arrive at your destination on time.

Making sure your car is in absolutely top shape and checking www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz before you head out can make all the difference and give you peace of mind that can only make your holiday road trip even better.