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Vehicle Check

Check the vehicle before travelling

Especially for long journeys, your vehicle should be technically in perfect condition. Before starting, check the oil level, the windshield washer and wiper blades, as well as the lighting (including the adjustment of headlight range), the battery and the roof rack (if fitted). Of course you should also check the air pressure of the tires. Low air pressure with a fully loaded car is poison for the tires and can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore it is important to ensure correct air pressure to the higher load according to the operating instructions of the vehicle. In addition, the tires should have sufficient tread depth. It is advisable to have the brakes and steering checked in a workshop before leaving, as well as the engine setting, the cooling system and the air and oil filters. 

Relaxed travel without traffic jams

If you have a flexible schedule, you should not plan your arrival or departure on a Saturday because this is often the busiest day of travel. Look for alternatives and choose a weekday for your arrival and departure. Try to avoid travelling during rush hour. Find out about frequent traffic jam sections before you drive and plan for possible alternative routes. The use of a navigation device is a big advantage as it announces traffic jams ahead, and calculated alternative routes quickly. If you still get stuck in a traffic jam, keep calm and alert. 

Sleep well and start early

Sufficient sleep is one of the most important factors to start vacation. That is why our TUV experts do not recommend traveling at night. For those who are not used to being awake at night, it is difficult to drive at night, especially between one and three o'clock as there is great risk to fall into a micro-sleep. Leave early in the morning instead. 

Relaxed traveling with children

Relaxed travelling with children starts with planning your trip. How long can I travel with children? And where can I reach during this time? If the journey takes more than eight hours, it is recommended to plan an overnight stay. 

Children start to get bored quickly in the car, then comes the bickering and quarrels. Make sure you have plenty of distractions and bring along enough games, books and music. The best is to set up the children with headphones, so that the driver can continue to focus on driving. 

Make sure you also have sufficient sunscreen, enough drinks and snacks. Take a break every two hours so that the kids can let off steam and move around. This allows for a much more relaxed journey!

Even if it sounds obvious - do not leave children and animals in any case alone in the vehicle. In summer temperatures and direct sunlight, the car can quickly become an oven.

TUV NORD Expert Tip

Pack smart!

Less is sometimes more! Think carefully before about what you need on vacation. If you load a large amount into the car, you should keep a close eye on the maximum load limit. 

It depends on the right arrangement - heavy objects belong as close as possible to the rear seats. Additionally secure the cargo in the station wagon with luggage nets or straps. Proper load securing is often important as unrestricted view is of course the most important prerequisite for an accident-free journey. 

TÜV experts recommend that before loading, all luggage should be lined up in front of the car in order to keep track and to pack smart. Things that are needed quickly in the event of a breakdown or accident should always be easily accessible. This includes first aid kits, mobile phones, vehicle documents and identity documents. 

Speed limits and provisions abroad

If you are travelling by car, you should inform yourself about the speed limits and special regulations in the country of your journey. These can be very different and are sometimes punishable by drastic fines. If you do not want the burden of unnecessary travel funds, you should know the applicable rules. 

TUV NORD Mobility Inc.

Suite 415, 708-11th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2R 0E4

sales.mobilitycanada@tuv-nord.com