Pre-holiday checklist from the #JacaFamily to keep you safe

We are all very excited to have the holidays  just around the corner, but we also know it to be the silly season and we want you to be as safe as possible.

Here are a few handy tips for you before you leave for your little break.

Get your car serviced

Hitting the road this festive season? Get your car serviced, if it’s due for one, or take it for a pre-holiday check to ensure that it’s completely roadworthy before departure. To give you an idea, the lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres should all be examined for faults. Make sure everything works and you’ll have better peace of mind. 

Check your tires

Taking a road trip? Be aware that your tyres are the only thing between your car and the road, so it’s critical to ensure their continued good condition. Any tyres that are bald, or under- or over-inflated, can be dangerous. So, before setting off, get a qualified mechanic to inspect your tyres, including the spare tyre, to ensure sufficient tread for the road ahead. Make sure that everything is pumped up and ready to go.

Use a GPS

While you’re driving to your holiday destination, you can avoid petty arguments about directions by using Google Maps or a GPS unit. But sometimes it can be more fun to track your progress on a real, printed-out road map, using a marker. Or, get your kids to do it. Trace your route as you go, and hang the map in your kids’ bedroom or your office when you return, to remind you of the journey. 

Is your paperwork up to date?

Before you leave on a road trip this festive season, take a few minutes to check that your vehicle and drivers’ licences are up to date. You don’t want to have unfortunate encounters with the police that will just spoil your trip. Also make sure that you have a fully inflated spare tyre, a wheel jack and spanner, two reflective triangles, jumper cables, a torch, a bottle of water, and a basic first aid kit with you on departure. 

Check the conditions of the road before hand

Here’s a safe driving tip for the holidays: Don’t travel on roads if you’re unsure of their condition, unless you have a 4x4 vehicle. Check out the route online beforehand, to get a clear sense of what lies ahead. But if your travel does take you off the beaten path, remember to take your time and try to arrive at your destination calm and rested. It’s not a race. Remember off the beaten track may well have you beaten so be sure you know where you going.