{"id":55526,"date":"2022-12-20T09:00:07","date_gmt":"2022-12-20T07:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/precautionary-actions-for-drivers-going-on-holiday-20221219-6\/"},"modified":"2025-03-21T14:28:35","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T12:28:35","slug":"precautionary-actions-for-drivers-going-on-holiday-20221219-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/precautionary-actions-for-drivers-going-on-holiday-20221219-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Precautionary actions for drivers going on holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

December is one of the busiest times of the year on South African roads. However, not every traveller is fortunate enough to reach their intended destination. In January this year, the minister of transport, Fikile Mbalula, announced that 1 685 road fatalities were recorded during the 2021 festive season \u2013 a 14% increase over the previous period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To prevent more road users from becoming a statistic, Bazarick Jewell, a diesel mechanic with more than 10 years\u2019 worth of experience, highlights the various vehicle parts drivers should inspect before embarking on a trip, ensuring they do not endanger themselves and other road users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windscreen wipers<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since you need these to provide an unobstructed view of the road while driving, look for cracks, squeaks, streaks or irregular movement when turning the wipers on. Heavy rain, vehicle wax and oils, moisture and extreme temperatures will wear your wiper blades down and, if left unattended, can eventually lead to the blades cleaning unevenly during rainfall or damaging your windscreen (scratches). Replace your wiper blades when you notice wear and tear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windscreen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A windscreen serves to protect those inside a vehicle from outside elements. If you notice any chips, cracks, or scratches on account of debris damage or faulty wiper blades, contact a technician to determine if all you need is a new coat of polish or if the windscreen needs to be replaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wait until dark, switch on your lights, and see if both headlights are fully operational. If there is an inconsistency in the brightness, replace the bulbs. Should this not fix it, the problem may be technical and a technician should be contacted. Do not just stop at your headlights \u2013 give the brake lights, indicator and number plate bulbs the same treatment. Remember, all these lights are extremely important at night-time and during bad weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leakages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oil leaks can lead to low oil pressure in your vehicle\u2019s oil sump. When ignored, this can result in engine knock \u2013 where fuel burns unevenly in your engine\u2019s cylinders \u2013 and irreparable damage to your car engine. If there is an excessive amount of water leaking, your vehicle can potentially overheat and lead to a seized engine (electronics will still work but the engine itself will not turn over). Look for dark puddles under your car, smoke from the engine, or the dashboard oil light for signs that something might be wrong, and contact a specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oil and water levels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the engine off, open the vehicle\u2019s bonnet and find the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out from the engine and wipe any oil off from its end. Re-insert the dipstick into its tube and push it all the way back in. Now withdraw the dipstick and look closely at its tip, which should have oil on it. Markers on the dipstick will indicate if there is enough oil or if more should be added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water levels can be ascertained by looking at the clear bottle found in your engine bay or the radiator. On the bottle there will be marks that indicate the high and low points. With the engine off and cold, make sure the water level falls within these indicators. If working with the radiator, lift the radiator cap, dip a finger in, and if there is water at the end of your finger you are good to go. If you do need to top up, opt for anti-freeze as this will prevent fluids from boiling in summer, and freezing in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drive belts (timing belt, fan belt, power-steering belt)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n