Planning a summer road trip? Here are some essential tips to help keep you safe on the road.
Spare Tyre Does your car have a regular tyre or a space-saver tyre? In the event of a puncture—especially if you’re towing—check your owner’s manual for guidance on which corner of the car to place the space-saver tyre. Once fitted, head straight to a tyre specialist for a proper repair or replacement. Space-saver tyres typically come with speed restrictions, and their tread is not as durable as a regular tyre.
Tyre Pressure and Tread While checking your spare, take a moment to inspect all four tyres. Start by ensuring they’re at the correct pressure (check when cold). Also, visually inspect your tyres for any nails, screws, or sidewall damage. Use a tread depth gauge (available at most dollar stores) to ensure your tyres meet the minimum tread depth of 1.5mm for driving on NZ roads. If you or someone else tends to “dry steer” (turning the wheel when the car is stationary), the outer 4-6cm of the front tyres may wear down faster than the rest.
Windscreen Wiper Bottle Sunlight often reveals how dirty your windscreen is, so don't wait until you're on the road to discover your washer bottle is empty. Fill it with high-quality windscreen wash to keep your visibility clear. While you’re at it, inspect your wiper blades for signs of wear, such as cracked rubber or missing pieces. Test the blades by running them during a wash to ensure they effectively clear water from the screen.
Fluid Levels While you're under the bonnet topping up the washer bottle, check other essential fluid levels, such as engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. Ensuring these fluids are at the correct levels can prevent overheating and other potential issues during your drive.
With a little preparation, you can enjoy a safer, smoother journey this summer!