South Africa’s holiday roads get busy in December and January – and the last thing anyone wants is an unexpected breakdown in the heat, with the kids asking, “Are we there yet?” every 30 seconds. A smooth, safe road trip starts long before you leave the driveway. With a quick pre-trip inspection and the right AA membership, you can drive into the holidays with confidence. 

Here is a guide that you can use to make sure that your car – and your peace of mind – are truly road-trip ready. 

Check Your Tyres: Your First Line Of Safety 

We really cannot stress enough just how dangerous worn or under-inflated tyres are. According to the Limpopo Department of Transport, tyre bursts account for about 73% of accidents in the country. 

So, before you hit the road, check: 

• Tread depth: Should be at least 1 mm, but more is safer. 

• Tyre pressure: Inflate to the levels recommended in your car door frame or manual. 

• Spare wheel: Make sure it is pumped up and in good condition. 

• Tools: Confirm your jack and wheel spanner are where they should be. 

💡 AA Tip: If you do experience a flat, most AA Memberships include tyre-change aid – a lifesaver if you are stuck on the side of a busy highway. 

Oil and Fluids: Keeping Your Engine Happy 

It makes sense, to even the least mechanically minded among us, that our engines work harder on longer drives. This is especially true during summer temperatures. 

We would suggest that you check and top up your engine oil, coolant/antifreeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. Oh, and if anything looks dirty, low, or leaking, get it sorted before you travel. 

💡 AA Backup: If your car overheats or refuses to start because of a fluid-related issue, AA Roadside Assistance can send help – wherever you are. 

Brakes: Do Not Ignore The Warning Signs 

If your brakes are squeaking, grinding, or feeling spongy, please do not wait until the holiday rush. Have them checked before your trip, even if you are not sensing any of these issues. It certainly cannot hurt to get a professional to give your brakes a look once over. 

Get a brake check if: 

• The car pulls to one side when braking. 

• The brake pedal feels soft. 

• You hear a grinding noise. 

• Your steering wheel shudders when stopping. 

Your brakes are essential – do not take chances. 

Lights, Wipers, And Safety Equipment 

Good visibility is the key to safer travel. While you cannot do anything about fog or mist clouding your windscreen, you can perform a few checks. For starters, you can test brake lights, indicators, headlights, and fog lights, you can replace dull or faulty bulbs, you can check your wiper blades for tears or streaking, and lastly… you can clean your windscreen inside and out. 

Also pack an emergency kit with: 

• Torch 

• First-aid supplies 

• Reflective triangle 

• Jumper cables 

• Drinking water 

• Basic tools 

• Phone charger/power bank 

The Power Of AA Membership: Your Holiday Backup Plan 

The annoying part of being a car owner is that even a well-maintained car can give you surprises, and that is precisely why thousands of South Africans rely on the AA every holiday season. Your AA Membership is there for you when the going gets tough, especially out there on the road. Importantly, mechanics, tow trucks, and emergency services are usually stretched thin during peak holiday months. But with an AA Membership, you jump the queue and get reliable help fast – anywhere in SA. 

Top AA membership benefits that keep you going: 

• Roadside assistance (breakdowns, mechanical issues, battery problems). 

• Towing services when your car cannot be fixed on the spot. 

• Battery testing and replacement assistance. 

• Flat tyre support. 

• Fuel delivery if you run dry on a long stretch road. 

• Locked-out help if your keys get stuck inside. 

• Trip monitoring so the AA stays on the line until help arrives. 

• Access to vetted repairers for holiday-season peace of mind. 

Feeling Informed? 

Your best holiday road trip is a safe one. With a quick car inspection and the backup of AA Membership, you can leave stress behind and focus on the fun – not the breakdowns. 

AA Membership will be there for you, whether you are dealing with an overheated engine or a burst tyre.