As the school holidays start and Heritage Day approaches, many South Africans are planning fun road trips and family get-togethers. With more cars on the road, Dunlop Tyres SA urges drivers to inspect their vehicles, especially the condition of their tyres, to ensure a safe journey.

Dunlop Tyres SA, a member of the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) and the Road Safety Partnership South Africa, is dedicated to promoting road safety and calls on all drivers to take responsibility for a safer holiday season.

"As South Africans, we cherish our downtime with family and friends, but the holidays also mean increased traffic volumes. By planning ahead of your trip, observing road safety rules, and being prepared, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for ourselves and our loved ones," said Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Dunlop Tyres SA.

Safety Tips for Your Holiday Road Trip

To stay safe on the road this holiday, Dunlop recommends the following:

Planning

• Traffic volumes increase on major routes like the N3, N1, and N2 during holidays. Always have an alternative route in mind and stay updated on road conditions and traffic.

Vehicle Check

• Conduct a basic maintenance check to ensure your vehicle is road-ready:
  • Check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels.
  • Ensure the battery is in good condition and that all lights (headlights, taillights, indicators) are functioning properly.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the brake pads and discs for wear.
  • Check the wiper blades for wear and replace if needed.
  • Ensure your spare tyre is properly inflated and in good condition, and that you have the necessary tools such as a tyre jack, tyre iron, and emergency triangle.

Tyre Safety

Tyre failure can be caused by punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, or wear. Follow these steps to ensure your tyres are safe:

• Check the tyre pressure in all your tyres, including the spare, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Adjust the pressure if you’re carrying a load, and always check tyres when they’re cold.
• Never overload your tyres. The maximum load is marked on the sidewall of the tyre.
• Inspect the tread depth regularly. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right or left to inspect the front tyres and check the rear tyres as well. Look out for uneven wear, scuffs, bulges, or cuts. Use the tread wear indicator (TWI) to check if your tyres meet the 1.6mm legal minimum tread depth. If the tread is worn below 3mm, your braking performance will be reduced, and stopping your vehicle in an emergency will be difficult.
• Inspect for bulges, separations, cuts, or embedded foreign objects.
• Potholes can cause severe damage. Dunlop Sure offers 12-month tyre insurance for tyres bought at Dunlop dealers, protecting against road hazard damage.

While Travelling

• Ensure that all occupants wear seatbelts.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and take regular breaks.
• Don’t drink and drive, and always follow speed limits and adjust for road conditions.

By following these tyre care and road safety guidelines, South Africans can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable holiday season.

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