10 road trip tricks you need to know
It’s the festive season and everyone wants to do a road trip. Here are our tips on how to ace it.
1) Ensure that your vehicle is safe and in good condition. Do a full check at the start of the season and before any road trip. Monitor tyre pressures and make sure that you have a spare wheel and all the equipment needed to change a tyre such as a jack; spanner; your special key if you have wheel locks; an emergency triangle; and a torch.
2) Learn how to change a tyre. This is something that everyone should know because you never know where you could get stranded.
3) If you’re heading on a road trip, pack for emergencies. Make sure you have a travel first-aid kit at hand and that you have access to emergency numbers. Write these down and keep it in the car. Also make sure to carry spare torch batteries and odds and ends like rope, matches and a blanket.
4) Keep your phone charged when on a road trip. You never know when you will need it. Investing in a good car charger goes a long way.
5) When out on the long road, plan rest stops. Driving can make you tired and many accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. Get in a leg stretch whenever it’s needed.
6) Don’t speed. It’s dangerous and only costs you money or a life.
7) Keep a safe following distance. You never know what the guy in front of you is going to do, so be sure to keep a safe distance behind him.
8) Drive economically. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without fuel. Plan the route and the fuel stops beforehand and aim for a reasonable average consumption to ensure that you make it each stop.
9) Take food. It’s not only cheaper than buying at every stop, but it helps keep driver and passengers fuelled along the way.
10) Rest well the night before a road trip. You need your mind and body to feel energised the next day.