Planning a Road Trip? Get Your Car Checked Before You Go

1. Check Your Tyres Before a Long Drive

Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle in direct contact with the road, making their condition essential for safe braking, handling and overall vehicle performance.

Before heading off on a long trip, check:

Tyre pressure: Make sure all tyres are inflated according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressures. This information can usually be found on a placard inside the driver’s door, inside the fuel flap or in the owner’s manual.

Tyre tread and wear: Check that your tyres have sufficient tread and look for uneven or unusual wear patterns. Uneven tyre wear may indicate incorrect tyre pressure, worn suspension components or a wheel alignment problem.

Spare tyre: Don’t forget to inspect your spare tyre. Make sure it is properly inflated and in suitable condition to use in an emergency.

Worn or damaged tyres can affect braking distances, handling and safety, so it’s worth having them inspected before a long journey.

2. Test All Vehicle Lights

Your vehicle’s lights help you see clearly and ensure other road users can see you.

Before leaving, check:

• Headlights and high beams
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Hazard lights
• Reverse lights
• Number plate lights
• Interior lights, where required

For brake lights and rear lights, ask someone to stand behind the vehicle while you operate them. You may also be able to park near a wall or garage door and use the reflection to check whether they are working correctly.

Replacing a faulty globe before your trip is far easier than discovering it when you’re already hundreds of kilometres from home.

3. Check Your Car’s Fluid Levels

Your vehicle relies on several important fluids to keep the engine cool, lubricate moving components and allow critical systems to operate correctly.

Before a road trip, check:

Engine oil: Check the oil level according to your owner’s manual and top it up with the correct oil if necessary.

Coolant: Check the coolant reservoir only when the engine is completely cool. Never remove a radiator cap from a hot engine, as the cooling system may be under pressure.

Windscreen washer fluid: Make sure the reservoir is full so you can maintain clear visibility in dusty, wet or dirty driving conditions.

Depending on your vehicle, other important fluids may include brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.

If you’re unsure how to check these yourself, a pre-trip car inspection in Brisbane can help ensure everything is in good working order before you leave.

4. Check Your Air Conditioning

No one wants to discover their air conditioning isn’t working halfway through a Queensland road trip.

Test your air conditioning before departure and make sure it blows cold air consistently without unusual smells or noises.

Musty odours may indicate a dirty cabin filter or a build-up of moisture and contaminants within the system.

If the air conditioning isn’t cooling properly, it’s best to have it checked before your trip, especially during warmer weather.

5. Check Your Car Battery

A weak or failing battery can bring your trip to an unexpected stop.

Warning signs of a battery problem can include:

• Slow engine cranking
• Dimming headlights
• Electrical issues
• A battery warning light
• Frequent jump-starts

It’s also worth knowing how old your battery is. Many car batteries last around three to five years, although lifespan can vary depending on the battery, vehicle, climate and driving conditions.

You should also visually inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, loose connections or obvious signs of damage.

If you’re unsure about your battery’s condition, having it professionally tested before a long trip can help prevent an inconvenient breakdown.

6. Inspect Belts and Hoses

A broken belt or damaged hose is a common cause of unexpected vehicle trouble, so it’s worth checking under the bonnet before you leave.

Check Your Hoses

Look for hoses that appear:

• Cracked
• Brittle
• Swollen
• Leaking
• Excessively worn

A damaged coolant hose can lead to coolant loss, overheating and potentially serious engine damage.

Check Your Belts

Inspect visible engine belts for:

• Cracks
• Fraying
• Missing sections
• Excessive wear
• Unusual noises while the engine is running

Modern engine bays can be difficult to inspect properly. If you’re not confident checking belts and hoses yourself, a qualified mechanic can inspect them as part of your vehicle service or pre-trip check.

7. Check Your Windscreen Wipers

Good visibility is essential when driving long distances, especially in rain, storms or unfamiliar areas.

Inspect your front and rear wiper blades, where fitted, and look for:

• Cracked or split rubber
• Streaking across the windscreen
• Skipping or shuddering
• Poor contact with the glass

You can gently clean your wiper blades with a damp cloth. If they continue to leave streaks or don’t clear the windscreen properly, they may need replacing.