So you\u2019ve updated your travel insurance, secured accommodation are packed and ready to hit the road.<\/p>\n
But, is your vehicle road-trip ready?<\/p>
To ensure the best possible experience on the road, Beame has put together a simple checklist to ensure yours and your loved one\u2019s safety on the festive season\u2019s busy roads.<\/p>\n
The plan of action before embarking on your journey:<\/strong><\/p> Check your fluids<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t wait for your dashboard to light up like a Christmas tree before checking your fluids.<\/p>\n Make sure your oil, coolant, brake fluid and water levels are filled to the brim before any road trip, to avoid an accident or breaking down.<\/p>\n Battery check<\/strong><\/p>\n Check your battery to make sure it\u2019s strong and that it has clean terminals.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to take your car in, you can clean it at home.<\/p>\n Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of boiling water, grab an old toothbrush and scrub away.<\/p>\n Tyre Pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n Correctly inflated tyres are not only a safety requirement but can also improve fuel efficiency by about four per cent.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to bear in mind that, should you be carrying a heavy load, you\u2019ll probably need to pump them up a little bit more than usual.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure of the correct inflation pressures, look on the inside of the driver\u2019s door or under the fuel filler flap for a tyre pressure chart.<\/p>\n Do you have a spare tyre?<\/strong><\/p>\n Knowing where your spare tyre is kept will save you some time, should you get a puncture.<\/p>\n Make sure that it\u2019s in good condition.<\/p>\n Do the necessary checks that you would with your normal tyres and check that you have a jack that still works.<\/p>\n Map Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n Look at the planning of your trip and avoid the rush days when there is bound to be heavier traffic on the roads.<\/p>\n If possible, leave a day sooner, or a day later.<\/p>\n Do the same for the return leg of your journey.<\/p>\n Lastly, remember to pack a first aid kit in your vehicle, always wear a safety belt and ensure that children are buckled-up appropriately.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nALSO READ:\u00a0Control your road rage<\/a><\/h4>\n