Setting your car up for a successful Aussie Road trip.

January 13, 2023

Australia is tough to beat for the sheer variety of spectacular road journeys it offers, from lush green forests to the nearly 40,000 km of coastline to the red dust of the Outback. You can get into your car, put on your favourite travel playlist, and be assured of a memorable journey no matter which direction you go. The true beauty of Australia needs to be experienced through its roads because of the sheer variety of scenery and terrain. Driving around and experiencing all that Australia has to offer is a mind-blowing experience that we would recommend to everyone.

Making sure your car is ready for the trip a week or two before you travel, rather than waiting until the last minute ensures you will be more at ease and less likely to miss things or skip steps in the last-minute rush to get ready. Let’s look at a few important steps to make sure your vehicle is road trip ready.

Have you and your car done long trips before?

Taking your car on a single, lengthy trip may be more beneficial than making numerous small trips. However, there are several situations that you and your vehicle will need to be ready for if you’re going on a longer road trip.

Long periods of continuous driving at higher speeds place the car and the driver under a different kind of pressure. It could be difficult to receive assistance when you’re far from home if a car component or system malfunctions while you’re driving. If that happens, particularly at speed, it can be dangerous. Keeping that in mind, we’ve created a checklist below to help you in preparing your car for a long-distance road trip.

Check your car’s fluids and mirrors

Check your car engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer reservoir levels and top them up if needed. Check the lights, indicators, wipers and washers and fix them if required.  The windscreen, side-view and rear-view mirrors need to be checked and cleaned. Ensure you take along spare oil, coolant and windshield cleaning fluid.

Check your tyres

Ensure that the tyres are in good condition for the trip, check the tyre pressure is set at the recommended levels, visually inspect them for any tears or uneven wear. Do the same for the spare tyre also.

Check battery

Check for signs that your battery may be nearing the end of its life. Unusual sounds when starting the car like clicking and grinding, slow starting, headlights dimming when idle. Replace the battery if you feel it is getting weaker.

Know your route (GPS and road maps)

Make sure your navigation system knows where it has to take you before you start travelling. Have road maps of the area with you too as a backup. To ensure there are no road closures, incidents, or events that may affect your trip, check the state of the roads before you leave. An online travel map will have the most recent data on road conditions and closures.

Prepare for emergencies (tool kits and accessories) 

A tyre iron, a functioning car jack, and a spare tyre should all be a part of the primary car equipment along with necessary tools and a first aid pack in case something unexpected occurs while you’re driving. You should also carry a good torch with fresh batteries.  Also, have road maps for when the GPS gets spotty. Ensure you take your roadside assistance membership card with you.

Take regular breaks

Get plenty of rest the night before you travel, and if at all possible, split long drives with another driver. As you travel, make sure to stop for a break, ideally every one to two hours. Short breaks allow you to move around and regain focus before getting back behind the wheel.

Packing the car

If you are only staying for one night, bring an overnight bag so you won’t have to unload your entire suitcase. On the other hand, if you want to leave your car overnight, pay attention to security. Pack your belongings carefully so they can’t move about. Everything needs to be securely stowed and controlled as loose objects can very quickly become airborne and dangerous under heavy braking. Luggage should be packed in the boot rather than the cabin so that it won’t become a hazard in an accident. Secure the luggage with a net if you drive a wagon or a hatchback without a boot. Roof rack luggage needs to be safely secured under a net. Never overload your car, if you are unsure ensure your car is weighed with all the luggage and passengers and refer to the manual for the maximum weight for your car.