With December around the corner, you might be planning to take your bakkie and canopy along on a holiday through the country (if Covid lockdown rules don’t come back and bite us again!), whether you stop in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or Nelspruit, there are a few basic tips (other than do not speed, text or drink and drive) that you should keep in mind to ensure the smoothest and most enjoyable holiday possible.
1.Vehicle Checks
Before embarking on your journey it is critically important that you service your car and ensure that your lights, oil, tyres, belts & hoses, brake fluid, antifreeze fluid and the condition of the battery are all in order and working properly. Check that all your goods and equipment are securely fastened to your canopy roof rack. Doing these checks benefit not only your car, but the safety of you, your family, and luggage as well.
2.Route Planning
To minimize your chances of getting lost and reduce the stress of having to decide on your route while travelling, it is a great idea to pre-plan the route you want to take (No one wants to get lost in the middle of the Western Cape or Free State with no road to your destination). By planning your route, you can also check traffic reports and weather updates to know which roads and areas to avoid. Although it is commonplace to find GPS’s in vehicles today, mobile apps like Google maps or Waze provide up to date info on your route.
3.Passenger Safety
With it being the holiday season and roads generally being crazy at this time of year, it is vitally important to ensure the safety of your loved ones. If you have little ones make sure they are strapped in well with a car seat and if you are travelling with pets, make sure they are restrained to ensure both their safety and yours. Other precautions can also be taken for pets such as having doggy bars fitted to your canopy sliding windows. And finally, always make sure you’re buckled up.
4.Relax
Frustration and stress can lead to poor decisions and risky behaviour behind the wheel, which could essentially be avoided. So just relax and enjoy the moment and being on road.
So hopefully these tips make your trip this December an unforgettable one and do not forget to take your camera along. You never know when you might need to capture a great memory!
Did you know? We have fitment centres across SA, from Cape Town to Johannesburg? Contact us today to find out more.