Get your ride road trip ready
New Zealand is home to some of the most stunning scenic drives in the world and there’s nothing like exploring them on your own four wheels. Whether you’re heading away on a family holiday or rallying the troops for a tour of our great outdoors, making sure your car is road-safe should be at the top of your to do list. Just above ‘snacks’, of course.
We’ve pulled together your road trip checklist to tick off before you drive away.
Test your tyres
An optimally inflated tyre will last longer, respond faster and provide better fuel efficiency for your journey. To make sure yours aren’t flat or overinflated, check their pressure with a tyre gauge the next time you stop for petrol.
With all those bumpy New Zealand backroads, you’d best be sure you’ve got everything you need to change a tyre on the move too. Pack a jack, crank, tyre wrench and check your all-important spare is up to scratch.
Check your oil
Oil is the lifeblood of your car and should be checked every couple of weeks, or at least before you head off on any long road trip. To check your oil, make sure your car is on level ground and wait until your engine has been off for five minutes. Pull out the dipstick twice and wipe clean with a rag before checking the level. And by rag, we don’t mean your loved one’s best beach towel.
Improve your fuel efficiency
Not using those handy roof racks or boxes this time around? Research shows the drag from these could be costing you in lost fuel efficiency. So, unless you’ve strapped on your surfboard or kayak or you’ve stowed away the kids’ toys, make sure you take down your roof rack or boxes when they’re not in use.
Light the way
Long drives can sometimes stretch into the night and you wouldn’t want to get caught with a light out. Inspect your headlights, indicators and brake lights before you head off. If you’re short a mate to hold down the footbrake, a brick will do the trick.
Stay cool
Water or coolant keeps your car from freezing and overheating. Lift the bonnet and take a look at the coolant reservoir to make sure it’s between the minimum and maximum markings. To check yours isn’t leaking, take a sniff while the car is running and the engine is warm. If you smell something sickly sweet, chances are you have a leak. Or the pineapple lumps have melted… If you see coloured streaks left behind on the ground under the engine then your treats are safe, but you’ll definitely need to get your engine checked before you head off.
Take a detour on road rage
Backseat drivers and bad directions are often the spark of many arguments. Designate a navigator, line up the road trip tunes and make sure there is a hearty selection of snacks on hand to keep everyone content.
Last but certainly not least, be safe on the roads. Take your time, take lots of breaks and take it all in. If your car is not up to scratch, talk to your local dealer about upgrading your wheels or find out more about taking out a vehicle loan here.
Safe travels from the Marac team.
Marac is a division of Heartland Bank. Responsible lending criteria, terms, fees and conditions apply.
