Jennifer Parkes/Things
If you’re planning to drive this Easter weekend, here are some tips to help you get there safely.
Going on vacation is (almost) always a good time. But if you drive, it’s (almost) always a nightmare. And if the trip to the high school is a bad time, chances are it’s going to ruin a little of the holidays, too.
With that in mind, in addition to general safety, here are some tips for driving over the long weekend.
Make sure your car is up to par
Matt Slocum/AP
Checking your engine oil is always a good idea, but don’t forget to rotate it as well.
I know we talk about it a lot in these types of articles, but it’s really important.
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* Take care of your car during confinement
* Prepare your car for the road trip season
* Covid-19 Lockdown: Car Care Basics
The easiest way to remember what to check is “GIROL”. This means TYes? Winternal screen, wipers and mirrors; meindicators; Ryou and Llights
For tires, the minimum depth allowed is 1.5mm, but more is always better. Most tires these days also have a tread depth gauge in the tire groove to make this easier, but you can also put a 20 cent coin in the tread; if the whole number 20 is visible, it means there are fewer of them. more than 2 mm left. Even a quick look can be enough: if the tire looks full, it probably is. Remember to keep them inflated, including the spare.
You should make sure your windshield is clean inside and out, with a completely unobstructed view of the road. Any damage, such as chips or cracks, should be repaired immediately by a professional, although it may be a bit more difficult at this point.
In addition to checking the windshield, also make sure your mirrors are clean, clear and pointing in the right direction, as well as checking that the wipers are in good condition and that the washer reservoir is full.
Jewellery/Nile Stuff
DRLs like these are great for keeping your car visible to other drivers, but they’re not a replacement for headlights.
Check your gauges by putting on the hazards (at home) and walking around the car to see if they all work. If you notice that one side suddenly flashes much faster than before, a bulb has burned out and needs to be replaced.
While you’re investigating the gauges, check your headlights as well. Tinted or tinted lenses can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the lights.
Finally, while a little surface rust in the middle of a door may not be a major problem, any rust found in a structural area of a car should be addressed immediately. Anything on the roof or door pillars and sills could affect your car’s structural rigidity, meaning it will offer less protection should the worst happen.
Also check out the trailer
things
Take the opportunity to check your trailer as well, if you plan to tow it.
While driving over the car, give the trailer a spin as well, if you plan to tow it. Check your tires and lights and all the connections to make sure it’s working and you’re not about to leave a bunch of fishing gear all over State Highway 1.
Charge the vehicle the night before
Packing the car the night before you leave means less stress on the day of the trip. This also applies to the most important part of a road trip: roadside snacks. As we all know, a roadie with a bag of Oddfellows isn’t really a roadie. Take the opportunity, also leave an extra phone cord in the glove compartment and make sure your car is charged if it’s electric.
Don’t drive after an argument
Lightwave Stock Media
Don’t drive after an argument. Find out before the trip so that everyone is happy on vacation.
We’re not therapists here at Stuff Motoring, but we know it’s never a good idea to drive after an argument. Being grumpy on the road is a distraction, especially if you’re tired. Try to get a good night’s sleep and if you have any disagreements with your partner, friend, children, whoever, talk it out calmly before you leave.
Don’t be a backseat driver.
This advice obviously applies to passengers. The person behind the wheel will try to concentrate on driving, and a constant barrage of advice and/or criticism can become very annoying. So it burns your lips, huh? Of course, if a driver’s level of driving scares you, you have every right to intervene.
DAVID LINK LATER
Driving in the conditions is more than obeying the speed limit, says Murph. (Video first published May 2019)
Take it easy on the road
There’s no prize for getting to your destination first when it comes to vacations, and sometimes it’s better to go a little slower. Drive to the conditions, let faster cars pass you if you are fully loaded and keep a good following distance from the car in front.
If you are tired, take a break. Be open to additional stops for your passengers to grab a bite or bite. Better late than never!
