Safe Holiday Driving

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, December 20, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Christmas and New Year in Australia is a great time of the year. It is a time for family and for holidays. For many of us, that means loading up the car and heading off on a road trip.

Road trips can be fun and a great adventure, however you need to be prepared.

Here are some tips, many we have learnt through experience.

1. Car service. Australian summers are tough on cars. Make sure your car is fully serviced and ready to go. Check the radiator and hoses so that they do not fail between towns on a hot day. Check the air conditioning and have it re-gassed if necessary. Make sure fluid levels are good and make sure brake pads and discs are all OK. If your battery is slow, have it tested and replace it before you go.

2. Tyres. Check your tyres to ensure they are up to the trip. Check tyre pressures. It is likely that you will be carrying higher loads than normal, over longer distances. Tyre pressure is particularly important to ensure the tyres carry the load and do not overheat. Most car manufacturers will specify tyre pressures for different load conditions. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation. Don't just check the tyres on the car, it is critical that you also check the spare tyre. Whilst you are checking the spare tyre check the jack and wheel brace. Make sure they are in the car and that you know how to use them.

3. Registration and insurance. Check the expiry of your registration and insurance, particularly your CTP green slip in NSW. It is easier to organise renewals from home before you go, particularly if you plan on travelling interstate. In any case, you do not want to be caught driving a vehicle with expired registration.

4. Plan the trip. Check distances between towns. Estimate travel distance for each day. Plan distances so that travelling is comfortable with allowances for breaks, site seeing and excursions. Plan overnight stays. Accommodation in many tourist and country towns can be booked out at this time of year. Do not assume that accommodation will be available when you turn up. Ring ahead or go online and pre-book accommodation. Be flexible. If someone needs a break or if something takes your interest along the way, stop, take a break or have a look.

5. Carry water. You never know when you need it. You may need it to top up your radiator or you may need it for drinking if you breakdown.

6. Carry tools. It is a good idea to carry at least a basic tool kit. You never know what might happen and some basic tools can be invaluable. Suggested tools include a pair of pliers, screw drivers, spanners, a torch, electrical tape, cable ties and some tie wire. If something rattles loose and you can tighten it up or tie it down, you are on your way rather than having to wait for assistance.

7. Road service. Make sure your road service membership is current.

8. Sleep. Get plenty of sleep before heading off and during your roadtrip. For many of us, the lead up to the Christmas holidays is the busiest time of the year. There is a lot of pressure and demands on our time. It is not easy, but try to get a good nights sleep before heading off.

9. Have fun. Do not lose sight of what you are doing. It is about time with family. Take time to enjoy the journey, it can be more fun and more rewarding than the destination.

greenslips.com.au provides everything you need to know to compare and purchase your CTP green slip in NSW, Australia. Go to www.greenslips.com.au for the cheapest CTP green slip prices and information on the green slip scheme.

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