Tips to keep your precious cargo safe 

Moms have a lot on their plates at the start of the year, with school and extra-mural calendars buzzing with tasks and commitments for every day of the week (often weekends, too).
You’re transporting precious cargo, so at least you have a dependable car, right? Turn the key, and you’re off, from A to B and back again with no hassles. ‘Mom’s taxi’ won’t let you down, as you always tell the kids.
However, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) warns that it’s naïve to think cars doing only short trips don’t need regular servicing and maintenance. Neglect this, and you could be let down by your ‘old faithful’ sooner than you think.
Dewald Ranft, the chairperson of MIWA, an affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) Organisation, urges moms to start the year on a safe note by checking the basics of their cars, including the condition of seatbelts and car seats.
According to child safety experts Precious Cargo (www.preciouscargo.co.za), car seats sold in SA adhere to European standards and don’t have an expiry date but rather a recommended lifespan. Each manufacturer has its guidelines regarding the “safe use period”.
The materials used in their manufacture – plastics, polystyrene, fabric, metals, etc – degrade over time from use and exposure to the elements.
“Car seats have a limited lifespan for a reason. Using an expired car seat can expose your child to unnecessary risk if you are involved in an accident.
“The same goes for your car. If any critical components, like your brakes or lights, are compromised, it increases the risk for you, your passengers and others on the road,” says Ranft.
He says some hazards, like clutter and mess, might not be obvious. Keep your car clear of empty bottles (they could get under the pedals), papers, plastic and other materials. Clutter can also distract the driver. A clean and organised interior minimises distractions, allowing for better focus on the road.
“Most car owners understand the value of a shiny, well-maintained exterior but often overlook the importance of keeping the inside of your car clean,” Ranft says.
“It’s more than just aesthetics; taking care of the inside of your car plays a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle’s value and health.
“Regular vacuuming and cleaning of the interior can significantly reduce dust, pollen and other allergens, thus promoting a healthier driving environment, which is especially important when transporting children.”
MIWA’s top ‘mom’s taxi’ checks to be done and why:
• Wipers: Your safety behind the wheel depends a lot on having an unrestricted view of the road ahead. A dirty windscreen compromises this. Checking your wiper blades’ condition should be part of regular routine tasks to ensure your car is roadworthy.
• Coolant: Your car needs anti-freeze throughout the year, not in winter only. The same chemical characteristic that lowers the freezing point also raises the liquid’s boiling point, preventing your overheating.
• Brakes: A brake check involves checking that all the components that allow the car to stop safely and immediately work correctly. This check is a must to ensure safe driving, especially when the unexpected happens in front of you, and you must brake within seconds to avoid an accident.
• Battery: A car battery inspection ensures the battery can hold a charge and start your car. It is not worth neglecting to check this because you could end up stranded on the side of the road with a flat battery.
• Oil check: Fresh oil provides better lubrication and heat protection, reducing friction between engine parts and preventing potential damage.
• Tyre tread: Check the tread and ensure to inflate to the correct pressure. A good tyre tread helps channel water away from the tyres, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
• Wheel alignment: Ensuring your wheels and tyres are correctly aligned allows for a balanced ride and tyre wear and no pulling towards either side. Also, a correctly aligned car gets better mileage and has a longer life.
“Moms transporting children should have an emergency tyre puncture repair kit in the car, check all kiddie locks function properly and replenish the medical aid kit,” Ranft says.
“While the state of our roads and reckless driver behaviour will continue to let you down this year, be a responsible mom who knows her car won’t let her down by ensuring regular servicing and maintenance at a reputable workshop.”