For many of us, summer means holiday road trips and with more freedom on its way, many cars will be out on the NZ roads.

Here are some tips to ensure that you have a safe holiday driving experience, along with latest vehicle safety tips.

1. Create a handy roadside kit

Any car could be vulnerable to a break down, so we recommend you put together a roadside kit for any roadside emergencies. A mobile phone with charging cable is our number one suggestion so you can call for help if you find yourself on the side of the road. Other emergency roadside kit additions could be:

• Mobile phone and charger
• First aid kit
• Torch and batteries
• Jumper leads
• Jack for changing a tyre
• Work gloves and a spare change of clothes
• Basic repair tools
• Duct tape (for temporarily repairs)
• Water and an old towel for tidying up
• Energy bars, drinking water, and any medication you may need
• Ensure the spare tyre is inflated
• Cable ties
• Facemask

2. Towing a Boat or Trailer?

If you have roof racks and need to secure a load, check the weight capacity of your roof racks, also make sure it is securely fitted to your vehicle, along with recommended straps fitted to secure your load.

When towing a boat or domestic trailer, ensure the WOF and Registration are current and your spare tyre is inflated.

3. Windscreens and wiper blades 

Many drivers disregard minor cracks in a windscreen, but it’s a critical mistake and can lead to serious damage and reduced vision when driving. If you have a chip in your windscreen, contact Instant Windscreens. Check out our blog for more on the importance of windscreen safety here.

After winter and extended lockdowns, windscreen wiper blades may need replacing. Check the vehicles blades for any sign of deterioration on either side. If they are not in great condition it may be best to invest in new blades before you go. To do this, book in with your regular service agent.

4. Is your car due for a service 

Keep your vehicles’ servicing up to date with its scheduled servicing intervals as preventative maintenance and the best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns. If you have not kept up your vehicles servicing (as per the manufacturers recommendations) or you are unaware of the vehicles service history, schedule a preventive maintenance checkup with your local service provider before you hit the road.

Don’t forget to have our customer service number handy for any questions or emergencies while out on the road. Save our number to your phone – FleetPartners Customer Service 0800 438 435.

5. Read the vehicles owner manual

By reading your vehicle’s manual, familiarise yourself with any features the vehicle may have — such as antilock brakes and electronic cruise control. It can also help in explaining how features work in extra hot conditions. If you are hiring a car, spend time getting familiar with the vehicle ahead of driving it off the yard.

6. Battery check

Ask your local service provider to check the vehicle battery, charging system, and belts, and ensure they make any necessary repairs or replacements.

7. Vehicle lights 

It’s important to make sure all your vehicle lights are in working condition. Make sure you check the headlights, brake lights, indicators, emergency lights, and all interior lighting. Have someone help you when checking the brake lights are fully operational.

8. Tips for tyres

Ensure each of the tyres are filled to the recommended inflation pressure. You can find this information (on the tyre sidewall) in the vehicle’s owner manual or on the sign inside the driver’s door frame. The best time to check the pressure of tyres is when they are cold. Gas expands when they are hot and could potentially give you an inaccurate reading. For more on check out Bridgestone Tyres.

9. Keeping yourself, young ones and your family safe 

MAKE IT CLICK! Everyone needs to wear a seatbelt or buckled up in age appropriate child restraints. You can see the Government guidelines here.

• All children under the age of 7 should use a booster seat.
• Check that car seats and booster seats are correctly installed, and children are in the correct seat for their ages and sizes.
• DO NOT leave any child or animal unattended inside your vehicle.
• Always lock your vehicle and hold onto your keys so no children can gain access to the vehicle.

Driver fatigue can be a cause of crashes. Be sure to follow these tips for your journey.

• Get a good amount of quality sleep before driving, preferably eight hours.
• Snack on light, fresh foods. Avoid consuming fatty, sugary or carbohydrate-filled foods, which can make you tired.
• Make sure that following a period of sleep you are fully awake before driving.
• Don’t drink even small amounts of alcohol. It will make the effects of fatigue much worse.
• When taking long trips, plan your journey to include rest breaks.
• If feeling sleepy, move to the passenger seat and take a 15-minute power nap- this will help. Read more about driver fatigue here.

Spend time making sure you know where petrol stations, bathrooms and rest stops are located throughout your journey.

For further information on driving in the holidays, read this article by NZTA.