For many Australians, summer is the ideal time to hit the road. You might be heading down the coast, heating things up in on an interstate city break or opting for an outback adventure.
Wherever you roam, it’s important that you plan ahead. Here’s your essential holiday road trip checklist to help!
How to prepare for a road trip
Given the bushfire situation in Australia at the moment the first thing to check is for fires near where you will be driving. Having access to the right apps and websites for the latest up to date information is critical.
Next, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in good condition before you go. If you haven’t had your car serviced in a while, book it in now. A pre-trip service can help ensure a hassle-free holiday.
Before you set off:
- Check all lights are working inside and out; replace globes if needed.
- Check and replace damaged or worn out wiper blades.
- Check whether the air filter needs replacing.
- Check the fluid level in the battery and make sure there are no signs of corrosion.
- Check your brakes are working properly.
- Check and top up fluids, including oil. Don’t forget the windscreen washer fluid either!
- Check tyre tread and make sure your spare is in good working order. Check you have the jack and wheel brace and a pair of gloves in the car in case you need to change a flat.
- Clean interior, mirrors and windows – inside and outside!
- Make sure you pack maps, phone chargers, a charger for the GPS, water and a first aid kit.
- Check your car insurance and roadside assistance is up to date.
- Take the spare car key with you, just in case!
- Top up the fuel tank and check tyre pressure (including the spare) as you’re heading out.
Depending on how far and where you’re travelling, you might also want to consider taking a car first aid kit – things like extra oil, coolant, spare globes and fuses, and a few rags to clean up if you do have a problem.
The road trip checklist is an essential before you head off for a summer adventure. And to lower the risk of a breakdown on the road, always choose quality car parts and accessories. Transgold has one of the biggest ranges in Australia, so we’ve got you covered from wiper blades to suspension components for that big outback adventure!
