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Five signs motorists should not ignore during a long-distance drive

Sep 29, 2026 Dev Naidoo, Tyre Safety Expert, Fleet Manager, Supa Quick


Five signs motorists should not ignore during a long-distance drive

 

Opinion piece by Dev Naidoo, Tyre Safety Expert and Fleet Manager at Supa Quick

Long weekends often mean longer journeys, heavier traffic and vehicles carrying more passengers and luggage than usual. For motorists travelling to visit family or heading away, the focus is understandably on reaching their destination. But what happens when the vehicle starts behaving differently along the way?

 

Recent road safety figures highlighted at the Road Safety Practitioners’ Colloquium on 2 September 2026 show why motorists cannot afford to become complacent. A total of 6,457 people died on South African roads between 1 January - 23 August 2026, although fatalities declined by 9% compared with the same period in 2025, these figures reinforce the importance of roadworthiness and driver alertness.

 

Drawing on more than two decades of experience, here are five signs motorists should not ignore during a long-distance journey.

 

1. Your steering wheel starts vibrating - A vibrating steering wheel can indicate wheel imbalance, alignment problems or tyre damage. If the vibration is new or worsens at certain speeds, reduce your speed and pull over when safe.

Check for visible tyre damage or pressure loss. If the cause is unclear, have the vehicle assessed before continuing.

 

2. A warning light appears on the dashboard - Dashboard warning lights can signal serious mechanical problems, even when the vehicle appears to be running normally. Warnings relating to engine temperature, oil pressure or brakes should never be ignored.

Continuing to drive could lead to a breakdown or dangerous failure. If a critical warning appears, stop somewhere safe and seek professional assistance.

 

3. Your concentration starts to fade - Driver fatigue is another warning sign motorists should take seriously. Repeated yawning, missing road signs, struggling to remember the last few kilometres or finding it difficult to concentrate are all indications that it is time to stop.

Motorists should take a proper break when fatigue sets in. The Department of Transport also advises drivers on long journeys to stop every two hours or after 200 km to help combat fatigue.

 

4. You notice an unusual smell or noise - A burning smell, knocking, grinding or squealing noise can indicate that a vehicle component is wearing out or failing.

Changes in braking, heavier steering or reduced stability also warrant attention. If these symptoms persist, stop safely and have the vehicle inspected rather than risking the rest of the journey.

5. A tyre looks or feels different - Long journeys, sustained speeds and heavier loads put additional strain on tyres. A thumping sound, unusual handling, a tyre-pressure warning or visible damage should prompt an immediate check.

Look for cuts, bulges, objects lodged in the tread or signs of pressure loss. If a tyre appears damaged, have it inspected at the nearest fitment centre before continuing.

Knowing when to stop - If something changes during a long journey, do not ignore it simply because you still have somewhere to be. Stop safely, assess the situation and seek professional assistance when necessary. Getting there safely is more important than getting there on schedule.
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