Vehicle preparation tips for long road trips

Preparing a vehicle for long-distance travel involves several critical maintenance steps to reduce the risk of breakdowns. The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) recommends servicing vehicles well in advance of a trip to allow mechanics to identify potential issues with important components.

Key inspection areas include tyres, fluids, and emergency equipment. Motorists should check all four tyres, including the spare, for visible damage, unusual wear, cuts, or bulges. It is also important to ensure tyres have sufficient tread and are correctly inflated according to the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power-steering fluid should be checked and topped up as necessary.

As modern road trips often involve traversing diverse geographies and elevations, weather preparedness is increasingly important. Travelers may encounter sudden changes in temperature, heavy rain, or snow, making the choice of appropriate tyres, such as all-weather options, a significant factor in navigating unpredictable road conditions.