AA Blogs

A bumper bashing refers to an incident in which a car bumps into the rear of the car in front of it. Bumper bashings happen more frequently during the rainy season, which is why it is important to know what to do should you find yourself in this situation. Although considered minor incidents, if you are involved in a bumper bashing you need to stop your car, put the hazard lights on, and ensure...

So you think you know the rules of the road? South African road rules are pretty clear; red means stop and green means go. But what about using earphones while driving, or driving in heels? Motorists still harbour several misconceptions about the rules of the road. Here are the top assumptions motorists make about road rules, and whether they’re true or false: 1. Gated estate roads are private...

For many South Africans, the December summer break means road-tripping along one of our national highways. It’s one of the busiest times on our roads and by default, one of the most frustrating times for motorists. As thousands of people embark on their well-deserved Christmas holidays, congestion escalates and impatience mounts, leading to irritation, road rage, reckless driving… and ultimately...

It’s the holidays! Are the kids already moaning "I'm bored!"? Here are 7 fun activities to keep them occupied if you’re home for the holidays, plus a couple of local events to get into the festive spirit. Advent calendar of things to do for kids In the same way your child looks forward to opening their advent calendar daily for the treat inside, why not create a fun “to-do list” calendar? Each...

The qualities of a good driver Everyone thinks they are a good driver. But, knowing the clutch from the brake pedal doesn’t necessarily make you a good driver. It’s a skill that demands constant honing and polishing, and it has a lot more to do with character and personality type than one would think. Attitude If you don’t have the right attitude, it won't matter how much knowledge or skill you...

To celebrate Women’s Month, gather your girls and hit the road for a weekend getaway to do what you do best, together: relax, catch up on gossip, sip a glass or two of wine and enjoy a well-deserved massage or mani-pedi. If you’re wondering where to escape for your girls’ weekend getaway, we have you covered! Check out these AA-approved accommodation options near you. Escape to luxury in the...

Spring has sprung, and its time to get your house in order! But instead of just focusing on spring cleaning your home, the warmer weather also presents you with the perfect excuse to give your car some attention too. Here’s how to give your car some TLC after a long winter. 1. Wash off the Winter Cleaning your car doesn’t just make it look better, it also extends the life of your paintwork (so...

South Africans spend a lot of time on the road. Whether travelling to and from work in a car, commuting via public transport, riding a bike, or as pedestrians - we’re on the road every day. This is one of the main reasons why we need to work towards fostering mutual respect and responsibility on the road during our travels. It all starts with you - and this is why we’re giving you five tips to...

We know how much fun it is to hit the road with your friends; to pump the tunes and steer the wheel towards a night out on the town. Getting your driver’s licence is a milestone, but getting the keys to a car is a big responsibility. In South Africa, the death rate of young drivers is at least five times higher than that of older people, with car accidents as the leading cause of death among...

Whether your car gets a flat battery or breaks down on the side of the road, here are some things you always need to keep with you in the car. Check out our list of 20 essentials to have on hand in any scenario, plus download our checklist for your own use. First aid kit Every car needs a first aid kit. You can buy a fully packed kit from a reputable outlet, or assemble your own. We suggest you...

What’s the best way to escape the winter blues? It’s heading off for a spontaneous weekend getaway! Nothing beats the feeling of turning your back on the city to explore the roads less travelled and discover South Africa’s hidden gems. And with access to a comprehensive list of AA-approved accommodation, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best value for money during your stay. Need...

With the petrol price continuing to rise, it is well worth it to know how to calculate your car’s fuel efficiency. If you know your fuel efficiency, you can budget more accurately, and you can also make some improvements to how you drive. The following factors could affect your car’s fuel consumption: Irregular servicing Under-inflated tyres Air conditioning Traffic density Air temperature...