11 Jul 2023As a right of passage, New Zealander’s hit the road at least once a year to experience the magic of our picturesque landscape, culture, and communities.
But while planning your rest breaks, your accommodation, and plentiful activities along the way, you’ll need to add one more task to your list.
This would be the essential preparations of your pride and joy, the one who will get you from A to B, your vehicle.
1. In advance… Check your WoF and registration is up to date.
2. Check the fluids: oil, water, windscreen washer fluid, better yet pop in for a service and let us make sure your car is up to scratch for you.
3. Check your Car insurance cover is in place and details are up to date.
4. Check your tyre pressures – if you’re carrying a heavier load, than usual, perhaps inflate your tyres 3-4 psi higher than the norm. While you’re checking the pressure, check the tread depth, too. 1.5mm is the legal minimum depth, but anything below 3mm has significantly less grip in wet weather. And as an extra precaution, don’t forget to check the spare wheel in the back.
5. Your car should have an emergency kit with a torch, a jack and if you breakdown in the dark, a reflective triangle with hi-vis jacket can be handy to have on hand. A first aid kit is always a good idea to have readily available.
6. Having tissues in the glove department along with a microfiber towel is handy for spills and maybe an old towel – in case you get dirty.
7. If you’re heading somewhere hot, a reflective windscreen shade is crucial. Or if the weather is looking to be wet, don’t forget your umbrella.
8. Check all your lights are working properly.
9. Fill up with fuel before you leave.
10. Let’s not forget all those snacks and water to keep you hydrated.
Studies have shown there is a staggering total of 10 million trips across the country each year
(read more here).
Living in New Zealand we are so fortunate to be able to pack up the car and within a few hours arrive at epic locations with stunning scenery. No matter what time of year it is, whether it be snow and spas in the Wintertime or soaking up the sun at our beautiful beaches in Summertime, there is always somewhere new to explore.
