Naked’s Road-Ready and Weather-Wise Tips

Summer in South Africa isn’t just about sunshine and road trips, it also brings a mix of heatwaves, hailstorms, heavy winds, and those sudden downpours that appear out of nowhere.

Each of these can wreak havoc on your car and your peace of mind if you’re not prepared.

Here’s a quick checklist courtesy of Naked to make sure your insurance and your driving habits are ready for whatever the season throws your way.

Naked Checklist

1. Monitor the weather: Use weather alerts so you know when hail, heavy rain or wind is likely to avoid driving in those peaks.
2. Find good cover (but wisely): Park in shade or under shelter but avoid trees or branches that could fall in storms.
3. Slow down in storms / windy stretches: Strong gusts and debris make steering tricky, so you should increase your following distance.
4. Protect your car’s systems: Keep coolant topped up, check tyre pressure, and make sure wipers are in good shape.
5. Have a “storm fallback” plan: If caught in hail, try to find cover, or as a last resort, shield your car (blanket, thick cover) while you stay safe.

A little care now can prevent big headaches; stay alert, stay safe, and enjoy more worry-free summer driving.

Remember some practical tips like tuning into your local radio station for traffic and weather updates or find a weather app with radar so you can see the storms forming.

And bonus tip: keep an umbrella or raincoat in your car.

Read: Should you buy a new car or go pre-owned?