Safe Holiday Travel

School holidays and long weekends provide the perfect excuse for thousands of New Zealanders to hit the highways exploring the great outdoors. 

However, with so many extra cars on the roads during these peak travel times, drivers should undertake responsible driving practises to ensure a safe and stress-free auto adventure.
Always:

• Buckle up
• Adhere to speed limits, and reduce speed in wet conditions
• Follow the ‘two second’ rule – keep two seconds distance between you and the car ahead. Double this time in wet weather
• Turn on your headlights during periods of low visibility – dawn, dusk, night and rain
• Allow additional indicating time when merging and/or changing lanes
• Pull over and have a break if you start to feel tired while driving.
• Before starting the engine, take the time to check under the bonnet before commencing your trip:
• Check all your fluid levels - brake, transmission, power steering, coolant, windshield and especially oil. This is particularly important in summer, as a hot engine needs all the lubrication it can get and at high temperatures your engine’s oil will be working hard
• Ensure your cooling system is in working order by checking your radiator isn't clogged and all the hoses and belts in your engine are working properly. You should also carry coolant in the car, in case the radiator overheats
• There is nothing worse than a dead battery and having to wait for assistance on the way to your destination. To avoid this scenario, Supercheap Auto offers a free no-obligation battery testing service, providing customers with peace of mind.

It’s also a good idea to take the following items to make your car trip as hassle free and as safe as possible:

• A map or GPS unit
• Torch and spare batteries
• Fire extinguisher
• Small tool kit
• Jumper leads
• First aid safety kit
• Bottles of water.