Road trips are part and parcel of the summer holiday.
When travelling a long distance, towns and filling stations might be far from each other.
To help you have a safe trip, MotorHappy’s marketing director Barend Smit has a few tips for travelling long distances in hot weather.
“Most importantly, never leave children and pets in the vehicle alone, even if you are just popping into the shop for some snacks,” he cautions. “It is surprising how quickly a parked car can heat up in the sun. For example, if it is 24 °C outside, within 10 minutes your car can reach 38 °C inside,” Smit says.
Get your vehicle ready
Before starting your journey, make sure your vehicle is properly prepared by conducting all necessary vehicle inspections, like battery, fluid levels, and tyres – but with the hot weather in mind.
“Check to see when your next car service is due. Calculate all the kilometres you plan to drive and schedule a service if your car service is due before then,” advises Smit. “Pay special attention to oil levels and coolant levels because hot weather driving puts heavy demand on your engine’s components.”
Make sure your tyre pressure is at the right level
“Tyre pressure and temperatures rise together,” Smit points out. “With high temperatures, the air inside your tyres expands and the air pressure temporarily increases. This could lead to a blowout. The heat from the roads can also cause the tyre to disintegrate.
“Check your tyres before, during, and after a hot summer road trip.”
Stay hydrated
Travel with enough extra water for you, your passengers, and any pets. That might mean several litres.
On the road
If your engine overheats during your road trip, do not remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Rather just raise the bonnet. Remember to make sure your hazard lights are on.
Many road trips include a drive into the sunrise or the sunset when visibility is difficult. Make sure your wiper fluid is filled before starting your trip. Pack window cleaning fluid or a vinegar solution so you can manually clean the windscreen if necessary. Do not forget to take your sunglasses.
Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your car. It should include water, non-perishable foods, sunscreen, jumper cables, a torch with extra batteries, road warning triangles, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit.
Pack some cash for emergencies, a mobile charger and/or a power bank.
“Finally, plan your route carefully before starting your journey, taking note of filling stations along the way where you can fill up and cool off.
“Even spaces such as shopping centres or supermarkets can provide quick relief from the sun or extreme heat,” concludes Smit.
Stay connected on the road
With a host of safety risks on South African roads, motorists need to take ownership of their own protection – and one of the most effective ways of doing so is by staying connected throughout your journey.
This is according to stolen-vehicle-recovery company Netstar, a subsidiary of Altron. The company has the following tips for keeping your vehicle, your belongings and your loved ones safe:
Stay aware
Pay full attention to the road, following traffic and your surroundings. Avoid “zoning out”, or being distracted by music, podcasts or your phone. It is about staying connected to your environment.
Choose your route carefully
Use a navigation app to plan the optimal route for your journey. This helps to minimise your time on the road. Avoid known hijacking hotspots where possible.
Get vehicle tracking
If you, your family or one of your colleagues goes missing, tracking and stolen-vehicle recovery technology will locate your vehicle. This can make all the difference in protecting lives and recovering property. The latest app-based products allow family members to follow their loved-ones’ journeys and react if anything seems out of the ordinary.
Have a panic app or button
Look for an app-based emergency-response service that allows you to easily send a panic alert for armed or medical response.
Share your numbers
Memorise the numbers of those close to you. Store your tracking-company helpline number on another device. Alternatively, share the number with a loved one.
Get impact-detection
Some telematic vehicle-tracking devices can detect impacts and immediately alert tracking companies, without the driver even having to make a call. This can help protect against car-theft methods such as the “bumper-bashing” method, where criminals get you to stop after bumping your car, or when hijackers try to box your vehicle in.
Get networked
Having a tracking company at your service also gives you access to a nationwide network of security companies and first responders. Build a digital network to ensure you can get help wherever you are – and whenever you need it.
Avoid remote jamming
Vehicle thieves use jamming devices to stop your remote from locking your vehicle at malls and other public spaces. Jamming-detection technology is available to warn you if your vehicle has not been locked. Look out for this feature when choosing a tracking provider.
