As with all advice, anyone can dish it but it’s very much up
to your digression to follow. But trust someone who’s crashed (aka ‘stuffed’ –
in Kiwi) their car and met fellow travelers who’ve shared their stories. We’ve
made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
1) Car Insurance
Or at the bare minimal, get roadside
assistance or coverage for towing service. Towing can pretty expensive
especially when you have to get a truck out to a remote place.
Tip: If you do get stranded somewhere with
no cellular reception, best is to ask someone to call for you when they get
reception (people are awesome and they will do that) or hitch out.
True case: Paid $250 alone just to tow the
car for 45 mins out.
2) Check your rental / bought car before heading off
No brainer. But people can get careless.
Check for its general condition – brakes, lights, tyre treads, sufficient oil, radio
or music player (important on long drives). Equipment – snow chains (in
winter), spare tyre, and tyre tools that work, jumper cables…
True case: Punctured tyre. Had a punctured
spare. Another had a punctured tyre but had the wrong tools and was unable to
change the tyre. Changing a flat is so simple, it’s silly to be stuck for those
reasons.
3) Good music or buddy to keep you company or awake
4) Respect the road and its conditions
Obviously, drive to the conditions. Slow
down when it’s snowing or raining. Rest when you’re tired. Plenty of places to
make scenic stops. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
True case: Passed by one too many accidents
for loss of control or drunk driving.
5) Make sure you have sufficient gas
Especially on
the South Island West Coast. Petrol can get costly or not exist for a few hundred
kilometres.
Tip: Grocery receipts or membership cards
can go a long way on discounts.
6) Follow the rules
Drive on the left side of the road. There have been many head on collisions with foreigners who are used to driving on the opposite side. Adhere to
the parking timings. Trust me the parking attendants are efficient.
Feel free to add more tips on the comments below!