Great summer bodies are made in winter, or so the saying goes. Starting your fitness journey early and maintaining slow and steady progress gives you ample time to prepare and avoids the last minute frenetic, crash-diet.

The same applies to your vehicle. If you want your vehicle in its best shape for your summer road trip, now is the time to start buying service parts and having it serviced. You don’t want that last minute rush in first week December to find parts and a mechanic, a week before your long-awaited holiday in Plettenberg Bay.

Also, if you service your car well in advance, should the mechanic find something unexpectedly wrong with your vehicle, you have enough time to get the parts and get it replaced.

Not every part is immediately available, and it takes just one bad part to throw your entire holiday plans into disarray. I know a friend whose radiator gave up a week before his intended trip. Given the obscure American brand he was driving, and the fact that the agents didn’t have the part in stock (6-8 weeks Leadtime they told him), he landed up having to hire an Avis for two weeks, in peak season. To this day, he laments he paid more in car rental than for his December accommodation.

But how can you disappoint the wife and kids like that? Especially when the wife was probably nagging him to take the car to the mechanic since August that year, at which point the radiator was probably still fixable with a good flush.

With that in mind, if you are planning on road-tripping to your favourite holiday destinations this December, now is the time to start getting your car prepped. Afterall, going on a road trip with the family should be a fun adventure enjoyed by everyone and with a little preparation before you leave home it certainly can be.

If your car is due for a service, now is the time to book it in. Besides for the obvious benefits of regular servicing, there's nothing worse than sitting on the side of the road with a carload of bored kids and a furious wife, waiting for the roadside assistance guy to arrive, to ruin your holiday.

Even if your car is not due for a service, here a few things you should check, or ask your mechanic to check, in preparation of a long road trip. Again, rather do it sooner then later, as parts sell out and mechanics get inundated as the year draws to a close.

Inspect These Components

 Belts and Hoses

Engine belts and hoses are critical components when it comes to keeping your cars electrical, power steering and cooling systems functioning properly. Have them inspected to determine if any are frayed or cracked. Belts should also be taut, so be sure to verify that they are secure and do not have a large amount of slack. Make sure to have your hoses checked for any leaks or drips.

Do not forget to check your owner’s manual for recommended belt and hose service intervals.

Fluids and Filters

Check the levels of your car’s many fluids. These include the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid. If any of them are low, top them off before hitting the road.

If your car is close to needing its next oil change, it may be worth having it done before your trip. You should also check your vehicle’s engine coolant (also known as antifreeze) tank to confirm it is filled to the car manufacturer’s recommended level. However, keep in mind that even if it’s filled to the proper level, you may still need to have the coolant flushed and replaced if there are floating particles in it or if the fluid is clear. Coolant can also become acidic over time so you may want to have your coolant tank checked for any corrosion. This could cause damage to other parts of the vehicle, such as the radiator or hoses.

Lastly, the engine air filter, which collects dust and debris to prevent them from making their way to the car engine, should be changed out if it’s dirty or clogged with debris. Otherwise, the dirty filter may affect your car’s acceleration performance.

Lights and Windscreen Wipers

Make sure that all interior and exterior lights on your car are working properly and replace burned-out bulbs, as necessary. When you are doing your pre-trip checks be sure to check the operation of your lights; that is the headlights on high and low beam, taillights, brake lights, and front, rear, and side repeater turn indicators. Replace any globe that is not working.

If your windshield wipers aren’t efficiently removing water from the windshield or leave streaks, it may be time for a replacement. Do not forget to check your car’s hooter and air conditioning system, too. If the air conditioner is not blowing as cold as it used to, you may want to have it serviced by a mechanic, especially if you are travelling through the hotter parts of the country (Think Karoo or Northern Kruger in mid-December). It is a good idea to also change the cabin air filter or pollen filter.

Brakes

Squealing noises coming from your car’s brakes may indicate worn brake pads.  If your car’s brakes are making this sound, or any other odd noises, be sure to have them professionally inspected before you hit the road. If your brake pedal feels spongy when you press it, that may indicate the brake fluid is low. Do not forget to verify the level of this fluid while checking the others, and top it off, if needed.

Tyres

Tyre inflation may affect your car’s fuel economy. Check the tyre pressure before departing for your trip, preferably while the tyres are cold to ensure they are properly inflated. Do not forget to check the pressure on your car’s spare tyre, too.

While you are at it, you may want to check on the condition of the tyre tread. If you notice uneven wear on all the tyres, that may mean it’s time for a tyre rotation or alignment before your trip. Your local mechanic or tyre retailer should be able to help with an inspection and recommend corrective action, if needed.

Taking steps to help ensure your vehicle is in good condition prior to a road trip may help you avoid spending your vacation in a repair shop. Remember, if you are uncomfortable inspecting your vehicle or are not sure if something is wrong, consult a professional for help.