Spare Tyre Alert (the car kind, not the body kind!)
- 26-4-2011
- All Flourish: Articles: Archive, Cars, Bikes + Scooters
Stay safe when you hit the road!
There’s nothing like loading up the car and hitting the road for a holiday with your friends (think Thelma and Louise), family (think the Griswalds), or a lover!
But before you hit the road, it’s vital, for the safety of your beloved passengers, that you get your car serviced and be aware of signs that your car isn’t in its safest working condition, including checking out that spare tyre.
1. Car Doctor
Just as humans go to the doctor for check ups, you also need to ensure you take your car to the ‘Car Doctor’ for a check up! Get your car serviced by a reputable, reliable and trustworthy service centre to ensure your car is in tip-top condition.
2. Tyres
You need to keep your tyres in road-worthy condition so you won’t skid from poor tyre grip if you brake suddenly. Ensure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure (check the tyre placard inside the glovebox or door pillar). Also, ensure you check for any tyre damage or overly worn-down tyres. We recommend rotating tyres and ensuring you have a spare tyre in great condition (just in case).
3. Test your brakes
Brakes need to be tested regularly. If you have to really push down hard on your brakes to stop when driving, or you haven’t had your brakes checked in a while, you need to check that your brake fluid and your brake pads are maintained. Stopping is just as important as accelerating when driving!
4. Like the energiser bunny, your car also needs a good battery to run.
To help your battery work effectively, you can clean the corrosion off the battery terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water.
5. Before you hit the road ensure you always pack.
- A basic car tool kit
Make sure it has car maintenance essentials, including a torch, car jack and wheel brace - you’d be surprised at how many cars don’t have these items in the boot, particularly when the car has been purchased second hand.
- Safety is vital
Always carry a high visibility vest with you as it helps other motorist see you if you’re broken down on the side of the road. Also, the safety of your new dress may also be important so be sure to also carry an apron or a raincoat to protect you too. A pair of latex gloves to protect your hands is also a good idea just in case to need to change your tyre.
- An inflated spare tyre
It may be in the back of your car, but it shouldn’t be in the back of your mind! Look after your spare tyre as you do all other tyres.
Keep safe on the roads these holidays!
Car safety and maintenance tips proudly brought to you by Kmart Tyre & Auto Service – the experts in car maintenance. Visit www.ktas.com.au 
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