TOP TEN THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE YOU GO

Image Courtesy From Car Master Automotive Kogarah NSW

The top ten things to check before a road trip are your car’s essentials, your safety gear, and your route readiness.
Now let’s make it actually useful — practical, detailed, and road‑ready.

TOP 10 THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE YOU GO ON A ROAD TRIP

 

1. Tyres (Pressure, Tread, Spare)

Your tyres affect everything — safety, fuel economy, braking distance.

  • Check pressure (including the spare)
  • Check tread depth (minimum 1.5 mm in Australia, but 3 mm is safer)
  • Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear

 

2. Engine Oil Level & Condition

Low or old oil is the fastest way to ruin an engine on a long drive.
Top up if needed and check the colour — dark is normal, gritty is not.

3. Coolant & Other Fluids

Confirm levels for:

  • Coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Windscreen washer fluid
    Overheating is one of the most common roadside breakdowns.

 

4. Battery Health

A weak battery might work fine at home but fail after long hours of driving.
Check:

  • Age (3–5 years is typical lifespan)
  • Corrosion on terminals
  • Slow cranking when starting

 

5. Lights & Indicators

Test every light:

  • Headlights (low/high beam)
  • Brake lights
  • Indicators
  • Reverse lights
  • Fog lights
    Being visible is non‑negotiable.

 

6. Brakes

Listen for squeaking or grinding.
If the pedal feels soft, spongy, or vibrates — get them checked before you go.

7. Wipers & Windscreen

You want clear visibility in rain, dust, or bugs.
Replace wipers if they streak or chatter.
Check for cracks in the windscreen.

8. Emergency Kit

At minimum:

  • First‑aid kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Torch
  • Tyre repair kit or inflator
  • Basic tools
  • Water
  • Hi‑vis vest
  • Blanket
    If you’re going remote (common in Australia), add:
  • Satellite communicator
  • Extra fuel
  • Extra water (10–20 L depending on distance)

 

9. Navigation & Route Planning

Don’t rely on mobile signal.

  • Download offline maps
  • Check road closures (especially in rural NSW/QLD/WA)
  • Plan fuel stops — some outback stretches go 200–300 km between stations
  • Tell someone your route and ETA

 

10. Registration, Insurance & Licence

Make sure everything is current.
If you’re crossing state borders, check local road rules (e.g., speed limits, mobile phone laws).

Bonus: Things People Forget (But Shouldn’t)

  • Phone charging cables + power bank
  • Snacks and water
  • Sunglasses
  • Rubbish bags
  • Car manual (you’ll need it if a warning light appears)
  • Checking the weather for your entire route, not just your destination