GETTING YOUR CAR AND TYRES READY FOR CHRISTMAS
Christmas may still be a while away, but now is the perfect opportunity to get your car ready. Before you know it, December will roll right around the corner, and drivers will be lining up at the tyre shop to get their car serviced for the holidays. With thorough planning, quality service and a reliable vehicle, your Christmas will be hassle free!
Remember to Get Your Car Serviced
Your car may be in great condition now, but that could all change in a few months’ time. If you plan on going on a road trip for Christmas, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle has no troubles along the way. Imagine if it breaks down in the middle of an open road! When the time is near, bring your car in for a tune-up. You should definitely bring it in if you notice the following signs:
- Your brake feels spongey
- Your brake makes a squealy sound
- When you brake, the steering pulls to the side
- There are vibrations in the pedal when you brake
- Your steering wheel vibrates when you drive at a fast speed
- Driving on gravelly roads is uncomfortable
- Your exhaust pipe releases smoke
- When you park, your car continues to rock
You should also replace your tyres, especially if they’re reaching their natural course. Don’t forget to replace them in pairs to restore balance. If a tyre should burst in the middle of a road trip, you could be left unprepared and waiting a while for help. Make sure they’re also properly aligned to avoid misbalance.
By getting your car serviced before the holiday period, you save a lot of time and the stress of bringing it in when things get busy!
In Case of an Emergency
If your car should break down or a tyre bursts in the middle of a road trip, remain calm. As long as you’re prepared, you will have nothing to fuss over. Call roadside and insurance services. If your phone has no reception, don’t walk to the nearest town. Stay with your car, raise the bonnet and turn on the hazard lights. Once someone comes by, don’t get in the car with them. Ask them for assistance and to call for help.
You should also make sure you have an emergency kit with you that has tools, jumper cables, reflectors, and an empty petrol can in case you need to fill up somewhere. You also should pack plenty of water and snacks.
Christmas Ideas
There are plenty of fun day and road trips you can do in New Zealand for Christmas. If you plan on staying in the North Island, make the most of Christmas whether you’re staying in one spot or planning a road trip. Travelling around Auckland and the CBD shouldn’t be a problem in your car. You can attend a Christmas Eve service at the beautiful St. Matthew-in-the-City. If you want to get out of the city, travel to Coromandel Peninsula and stay in a holiday home or go camping on the northern beaches. If you plan on going on a road trip, locations you can visit include Hells Gate, Rotorua, Waitomo, Taupo, Huka Falls, and Rainbow Springs Kiwi Park.
Alternatively, there are plenty of attractions in the South Island as well! Visit the only cathedral in the world made of cardboard, the Cardboard Cathedral. For the adults, spend Christmas in the Waipara Valley and enjoy some wine tasting. Drive along Arthur’s Pass and witness the spectacular view of the Southern Alps. Go for a road trip from Christchurch to Hokitika and stop at the many attractions along the way.
Prepare Your Car at Drury Tires
Drury Tires can help get your tyres in a great condition for Christmas. We can also inspect your vehicle and award it with a current Warrant of Fitness. Contact your local South Auckland tyre shop and call 09 294 8139, or leave an online message.