As South Africans gear up for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, long-distance driving is set to place thousands of cars under pressure.
That reality forms the backdrop for Engen’s latest guidance, aimed at helping motorists prepare their vehicles before hitting the highway.
The holiday rush traditionally brings heavier traffic, hotter days, and, too often, unnecessary roadside breakdowns.
This time, motorists are being urged to give their cars a quick but thorough once-over before starting their journeys.
Sharing insights ahead of the festive travel peak, Engen’s Product Manager Bhavish Vallabhjee highlights a series of small checks that can make a major difference to vehicle performance and safety.
As he puts it, ‘You don’t need to be a technical expert to keep your car safe,’ adding that simple preparation can help motorists avoid the most common issues seen during the December rush.
Those familiar with holiday breakdown patterns will know that tyres top the list of preventable failures. Offering practical guidance, Vallabhjee notes that tyre pressure shifts dramatically when a vehicle is fully loaded or towing, making it essential to follow the manufacturer’s pressure guidelines before driving off.
Drivers are encouraged to take a moment to inspect tread depth, look for cracks, and confirm that their spare tyre is not only usable but also accompanied by the locknut key where required.
Rotating tyres at each service, he adds, promotes even wear and extends their lifespan.
Turning to one of the most critical checks under the bonnet, Vallabhjee explains that ‘oil doesn’t just lubricate, it cools and cleans your engine.’
Running low or using the incorrect grade can result in severe, costly damage, particularly on long trips. Motorists are advised to check oil levels before departure and again after several hundred kilometres while sticking to the manufacturer’s service intervals.
South Africa’s heat, dust and varied road surfaces can be unforgiving, especially this summer season, which is why not all oils perform equally.
As Vallabhjee explains, Engen Xtreme oils are engineered for local conditions, with options covering everything from older vehicles to modern models and taxis. He encourages drivers to request their preferred oil brand during servicing to ensure consistency.
Coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and a windscreen washer solution all play vital roles in safe driving.
Coolant is particularly important during hot, inland trips, while brake fluid directly affects stopping distance. For better visibility, Vallabhjee suggests adding a small amount of liquid soap or a specialised cleaner to windscreen wash water to cut through insects and road grime.
Motorists are reminded that a quick pause at a forecourt can prevent a long delay later, as staff at Engen service stations routinely assist with tyre pressure checks, oil top-ups, wiper inspections and windscreen cleaning.
‘Take the time. It improves safety and could save you money in the long run,’ Vallabhjee says. He also stresses the importance of driver health, as hydration, rest and alertness remain central to safe travel.
When it comes to performance, Vallabhjee notes that premium fuels such as Engen Primax Unleaded and the company’s ultra-low sulphur diesel (10ppm) help keep engines clean and protect injectors over time, especially valuable on long holiday journeys.
Motorists planning extended trips can take comfort in the fact that Engen’s national footprint includes more than 1 040 service stations. Many are positioned along major travel routes, ensuring assistance is always nearby.
If there is one recommendation Vallabhjee emphasises, it is consistency: ‘Stop at an Engen service station before and during your trip. Let the team run through the key checks, it gives you peace of mind and keeps your family safe.’
With holiday travel now in full swing, a few minutes of preparation could prevent hours of frustration or even serious mechanical damage, as small checks carried out today can help ensure a safer, smoother journey tomorrow.
For families making their way across the country, safety begins long before the engine starts.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: Engen/ Supplied
