Your Guide to Hitting the Highway With Confidence
There's nothing like a Kiwi summer road trip. The sun's absolutely blazing, the boot's packed, and your playlist is banging. Whether you're cruising to the bach, chasing the surf or zig-zagging through the country to see the whānau, doing a little bit of prep now ensures the only drama on your roadie is deciding which ice cream flavour to choose at the dairy.
Here's how to make sure your car is as every bit as ready for summer as you are:
If you're driving, just remember you're not the only one under the sun. Check your tyre tread depth and make sure your pressures are right - including your spare. It'll save fuel and avoid the ol' roadside blowout.
You wouldn't run a marathon in the sun without water would you? Be sure to top up your coolant, oil, and washer fluid. If you haven't serviced your car in a while, now's the time.
Summer storms hit fast. Test lights, indicators and brake lamps. Replace streaky wipers before you find yourself peering through raindrop smears mid-motorway.
Heat can be as tough on batteries as the winter cold. A slow startup, clicking on startup or dimming headlights can all be signs that you need to get your battery checked.
Hearing squeaks or feeling vibrations? Get them checked. A long roadie is definitely not the time to find out your brakes aren't up to scratch.
When the windows are down, that summer breeze hits different - but when temperatures soar or you're stuck in traffic, working A/C is a lifesaver. A fresh cabin filter also keeps you breathing easier.
Water, sunscreen, snacks, torch, phone charger, first-aid kit and more, tuck them in the glovebox or boot.
Boats, jet skis, or holiday trailers in tow? Check the towbar, safety chains, and lights. Make sure your load's secure and within weight limits. Always check the wheel bearings of your trailer or caravan to make sure they’re not loose or noisy, and make sure you’re carrying a spare tyre for them.
Download offline maps for those rural pockets with patchy signals. Update your GPS, and be sure your dashcam's storage is cleared.
Plan stops every couple of hours, swap drivers, and avoid starting long trips after a full work day. A tired driver is an unsafe driver.
A quick check could save you a long time on the roadside. The AA 10-Point Check is a basic vehicle check by an automotive technician, at any of our Vehicle Testing, Vehicle Inspection and AA Auto Centre locations across the country. The AA 10-Point check includes:
Plus, AA Members are entitled to two free 10-point vehicle checks each year.
