Tips on Trips 

Prepare for the road on your next vacation and save Rands on fuel costs. Over long weekends and school holidays, South Africans always hit the highways and byways in great numbers. It is a known fact, that virtually two-thirds of travelers spend at least one-half of their vacation time traveling and sightseeing, driving to the beach, dropping off and collecting kids and friends from various venues. With all of this time behind the wheel and as petrol prices are continuously raising, people will be looking for ways to reduce how often they have to “fill it up” and also ways and means to avoid a breakdown along the road that would spoil the holiday fun, whether on the way to the beach or a vacation destination.

Where the car meets the road—good place to start

Check the tires. Make sure they are wearing evenly. If not, the suspension, wheel alignment or shock absorbers may need adjusting.Check the tire pressure. Match the load rate with the estimated weight of your family and the luggage you’ll bring on a long trip. To help prevent a costly breakdown and to increase fuel efficiency, have all fluids, filters, hoses and belts checked, and replaced if necessary, by professional technicians. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 10 000 kilometers; make sure your estimated round-trip mileage doesn’t exceed the reading indicated for the next oil change.  Make sure the air filter is clean—it’s the “lungs” of your car. Make sure wiper blades are checked in case of sudden summer thunderstorms. The owner’s manual should have the viscosity of oil recommended for your car.Test your air conditioning before you leave for a long trip. It gets hot out there at times. Also, make sure all turning indicators and the brakes are all fully functional before heading out.

Check that a vehicle emergency kit is stocked with such important items as flashlight, fresh batteries, first aid kit, battery jumper cables, and such basic tools as a pair of pliers, standard screw- driver and rubber hammer. Non-perishable foods and water, both portable and drinkable, are other travel essentials.Bring books or hand-held electronic games for the kids to keep them occupied on the long trip.If you’re bringing a pet, make sure to check the policies of resorts along the way.Lastly, when packing, don’t overload the car. Excess weight makes the engine work harder, using up more petrol. Try not to put too much baggage if any on the roof as it’ll create aerodynamic drag and have a negative effect on mileage.On the Open Road

When you head out for an extended weekend or vacation, try not to exceed the speed limit on the way there and back. Speeding offers poor fuel economy. Let alone costly fines. Also, avoid dramatic accelerated starts and excessive idling as they both use up fuel. If your car overheats, don’t open the radiator cap until the car has cooled down; hot fluid could spill out and cause serious skin burns. Check your tire pressure before and also during your trip. Keeping them properly inflated saves on fuel. If you are not familiar with the roads to your destination, take the extra time to study a map. And carry the same map with you on your journey. Wear your seatbelts and make sure small children are securely fastened. Think about leaving early for your vacation like right before sunrise to get a jump on rush hour traffic. Take breaks to stretch those muscles. Stop at points of interest to keep long trips exciting and educational.

Getting there and back, as the saying goes, should be “half the fun!”

Yours in caravan & camping,CaravanParks.com – Southern Africa’s Caravan & Camping Tourism Network