Motorists urged to check vehicles amid wet weather in Gauteng

CEO of Europ Assistance South Africa, Christelle Colman, says the wet weather could prove expensive for motorists and home owners if they do not have suitable cover. 

Colman says she would advise people to put their personal safety first, rather than merely increasing their insurance premiums. 

''Think about your personal safety first in everything you do.

''When it comes to vehicle checks during wet conditions, check your tyre credit, make sure you have good visibility, your lights work and your wipes and blades are properly serviced.''

Colman says it's common for vehicles to break down during heavy rain due to car batteries not being properly serviced.

She says brakes are the most important component of your car, especially during wet conditions.

''If you don't have your brakes in a good functional condition when you drive on a wet road you can't stop and prevent an accident from happening.''

Colman also advises that Gauteng homeowners conduct comprehensive maintenance checks ahead of the storm.

''Make sure that your roof is checked and you don't have any pre-existing leaks because if you do it will get worse with the heavy rains.''

Colman says the risk management checks is not supposed to cost an arm and a leg. 

''These things you have to do in order to maintain your assets so it's really maintenance cost that you have to budget for and incur for your own safety.''