Michelin’s tyre tips for 5 top SA destinations

South Africa is full of breathtaking destinations. From unspoilt natural beauty to the electric energy of our urban centres, there is something for everyone. But our wide-open spaces mean spending plenty of time on the roads getting from one place to another. It’s important to plan your journey and consider your tyres.

Places to go

- Cape Town

This spectacular city is packed with iconic landmarks and places of interest – from scenic drives along winding mountain passes like Chapman’s Peak to vibrant urban centres like the Bo-Kaap. It’s best explored using a tyre that’s well-suited to urban driving – something that offers comfort and performance for navigating tight corners on narrow roads. Be warned, you might need to test your parallel parking skills. And if you’re visiting during the winter months, you’re likely to face some wet conditions.

- Sun City

Situated in the North West province, Sun City enjoys warm and sunny weather for most of the year. Remember that tyre pressure increases in hot weather, making blowouts more likely. So be sure to check the tyre pressure before you depart while the tyres are still cool. You’ll need a tyre that offers a comfortable drive over long distances for the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg (just remember to stick to the speed limit).

- The Wild Coast
Rugged and untamed, the Wild Coast caters for the adventurous with amazing rewards around every corner. An SUV is recommended for the rough roads along with a rugged (though not necessarily off-road) set of tyres. Given the area’s remoteness, it’s especially important to be well-prepared.

- The Kruger National Park

For raw natural splendour, the Kruger Park reigns supreme. It’s a vast area criss-crossed by roads that vary from well-maintained tar to rugged gravel and soft sand. Any vehicle can visit the Kruger Park but only 4x4s can handle some of its roads. Make sure you go prepared.

- The Drakensberg

The dramatic landscape of the Drakensberg mountain range offers unforgettable vistas. It’s also one of the few parts of the country where South Africans can experience snow almost every winter. This means that you need to beware of ice on the roads, but snow tyres are seldom necessary.

Things to do before any trip

- Check your tyres (ensure that they’re properly inflated, have adequate tread and no sign of damage).
- Check your spare tyre (ensure that it’s in good condition and properly inflated).
- Check your tools (ensure you have a wheel jack and a lug wrench, at the very least).
- Load your vehicle with an even distribution of weight by packing the heaviest items first.
- Take a first-aid kit.

Finally, when you arrive home, give your vehicle a once-over to check for any signs of wear and tear that might pose a problem.

For guidance on the right tyre pressure for your vehicle and your planned journey, see our tyre pressure tips.