Summer Road Trip Coming Up? Stay Safe With These Tips

24 Dec Summer Road Trip Coming Up? Stay Safe With These Tips

Summer is the perfect time to hop into your car or motorhome, or hitch your caravan and head off on a road trip. Road trips are appealing for many reasons. Top of the list is affordability – road trips are good value for money holidays – followed by the freedom of exploring at your own pace, and more opportunity to get off the beaten track and visit areas you wouldn’t ordinarily explore. If you’re getting ready to hit the road this summer, be sure to heed these summer road safety tips.

Prepare your car

Ensure your car is road worthy ahead of your trip. A quick maintenance check at your local garage (or DIY if you know how) to check if tyre pressure and tread levels are correct, oil and fluid levels are topped up, and wiper blades, lights and indicators are in good working condition. Fill up with gas and know how far you can travel until you need to fill up again.

A regular car service will mean most of these are already done and you can head off on your holiday knowing your car is in road worthy condition. But if your car hasn’t been serviced in a while, spending money on a service before you set off on a road trip could help you avoid a major repair while you’re on holiday. If you need to plan ahead for a car service or vehicle repair but don’t have the cash saved up yet, consider an emergency loan through Max Loans to help cover the cost.

Pack smart

Nothing spells freedom quite like a road trip. You’re in control of your time, the pace you set, and where you go. It’s the ultimate in Kiwi family holidays. But just as your car needs to be prepared for a road trip, so too do you. Here are some tips for packing smart and preparing yourself for a road trip:

• Along with getting a good night’s sleep before you drive, let someone know where you’ll be going.
• Pack your mobile phone and charger, and check you have mobile coverage in case of emergencies.
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear ideal for long spells in the car.
• Check the weather forecast for weather warnings and familiarise yourself with the route.
• Remember to pack prescription medications for family and pets.
• Don’t forget your sunglasses!
• Keep an emergency first aid kit in the car in case of minor incidents.

Here are a few other things you may like to pack:

• Water and snacks
• Blankets and pillows
• A basic tool kit and jumper cables
• Waterproof matches
• Toilet roll

Check your insurance

Long road trips mean more wear and tear on your car. And with so many Kiwis staying home this year, roads are likely to be even busier than usual. All of which means things can go wrong: cars can break down; tyres need replacing; major repairs need to be done; and accidents can happen. Make sure you have the right insurance cover to protect you and loved ones, and your car, caravan or motorhome while you’re on the road.

If you haven’t reviewed your car insurance in a while, now is a good time to do it. Book in an insurance review with a Max Insurances Adviser to check you’re not paying too much for the insurance cover you need.

Safe driving

Now that you’re ready to head off on your summer road trip, be sure to keep yourself and others safe on the road by staying alert and being aware of what’s going on around you. Scan the road ahead for hazards and look out for dangerous drivers. Avoid pulling over onto the side of the road unless it’s safe to do so, and then have your emergency lights turned on. Take regular breaks – get out and stretch your legs, have a coffee or something to eat to avoid falling asleep at the wheel. Listen to music or roll down your window for fresh air if you feel your concentration waning. Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car, especially in hot weather. Safe travels!

Getting you on the road again

When it comes to finding the right insurance cover, it can be hard knowing which one is best. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to end up paying too much or too little for the insurance cover you need. At Max Insurances, we understand the importance of putting your needs first. Which is why we’ll help you choose from a wide variety of insurance providers, and share our industry knowledge of insurance products to make it easy for you to decide. Get in touch with one of our experienced Insurance Advisers today and let us help you compare insurance NZ wide to find the insurance solution that’s right for you!

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