WINDHOEK – We are about one month away to the festive season’ holidays. School children are now writing their final examinations and parents are slowly preparing for the summer holidays.
Woema have some tips for motorists, as they start to prepare for the year-end holidays. Here is a small checklist of what do to now, apart from ensuring that the car is fully serviced before hitting the road during December.
Re-gas the air condition
A car’s air conditioning system works just like your fridge at home – it needs a special gas to help cool air and therefore the cabin temperature. If there’s not enough gas in the system, your air-con might not be working as efficiently as it could. Most local garages can re-gas your vehicle’s air condition for a small fee, meaning you can keep cool if you encounter any annoying traffic jams.
Check engine coolant and oil levels
While you’re checking performing a few vital checks, make sure these extend to the engine coolant and oil levels.
If the coolant is low it might mean your car will overheat in hot weather, as there is not enough coolant to effectively cool the engine. If the vehicle oil levels are low, you risk expensive – even irreparable – damage to the engine.
Battery checks
Given modern cars have more electronic systems crammed into their make-up, it stands to reason that you might place a high load on the electrics during summer.
Electric windows, air conditioning, even cooled seats all require a significant amount of power – if you are embarking on a long road trip this summer, it might be worth getting a mechanic to check the condition of your car’s battery.
While they are at it, get them to check the alternator – this is the part that actually charges the battery when the engine is on – if it is faulty you could run the battery flat.
Tow bar checks
Many motorists might be planning to tow a trailer for extra luggage space or a caravan on their summer holiday this year. If you are planning to, make sure you assess the trailer’s roadworthiness and all associated systems.
By this we mean making sure the tow bar is in good order and properly fitted if it’s a removable item. Plug in the electrics to ensure your trailers indicators, taillights, brake lights and number plates lights are all working, as they should.
Since we forget at times to pay the NaTIS licence fees for trailers, due to the fact that we hardly use them daily, Woema recommends that you ensure yours is appropriately licenced.
Check engine belts and hoses for wear
Look for visible leaks and squeeze hoses to ensure they are firm and pliable. Pay close attention to the points where hoses are connected and/or clamped as these are common failure points.
Only carry out these inspections when the car and engine are cool and do not attempt to touch hoses or belts unless the engine is switched off or after you have been driving the vehicle as they will be hot a could cause burns or other serious injury.
Tyres
Tyre checks should be routine for most motorists, but if you’re heading on holiday in your car – likely sitting at highway speeds for long periods – make sure your vehicle’s rubber is fit for purpose.
Check your tyre pressures, inflating them to manufacturer specification accurately – this goes for the trailer, too.
Spring clean for summer
Give your car a once over inside, too. Nobody likes travelling in a dirty car, but having litter rolling around in the foot wells has a safety implication as well.
If a bottle or can gets stuck under the brake pedal, it could cause a crash, so ensure your cabin is free from rubbish.
Pay your car licence at NaTIS
You do not want to get caught with the December licence renewal rush, were everyone is trying to pay for their car licences before they hit the road at NaTIS.
If your licence is due to expire end November 2014, you may renew such licence anytime during November. Don’t wait until it expires and try to pay during December. Avoid the rush and pay well in time.
While at it, make sure your driving licence has not expire. That little card is valid for 5 years and at times we forget to check the expiry date. Don’t get surprise at the roadblock with an expired driving licence.
Since we forget at times to pay the NaTIS licence fees for trailers, due to the fact that we hardly use them daily, Woema recommends that you ensure yours is appropriately licenced.
Ensure you don’t have outstanding traffic fines
The City Police is known for arresting those with outstanding traffic fines or warrants of arrest, especially during the December holidays, at roadblocks as families are leaving the city to go on holiday.
If you have a warrant of arrest for a traffic related fine, the City Police will arrest you. Why would you spoil your holiday and disappoint your loved ones, if you can “deal” with the matter earlier?
Approach your local traffic department and make sure you are not on the “wanted” list. Do this as early as possible, else you might spent your Christmas behind bars.
By Staff Reporter