8 tips for a smooth road trip

Long road trips can take a toll on your vehicle, and urgent repair needs may come up that put a damper on your trip. Below is our top 8 tips for a smooth road trip.

Plan your holiday and be prepared. Following the below guide will give you peace of mind that you'll be prepared should anything go wrong with your vehicle.

TOP 8 TIPS

1. Tyres

2. Service

3. Safety Check

4. Lights

5. Oil

6. Water

7. Aircon

8. Car tools

Tyres

Ensure you have adequate tyres on your vehicle and the PSI (tyre pressure) is correct before you leave. You should also ensure that your spare tyre is in good condition should you need to use it on your car while road tripping.

Service

It's always a good idea to get your car serviced before you leave on a road trip. This will help ensure you don't run into any nasty problems while trying to enjoy your holiday. A road trip puts some extra strain on your vehicle, so ensure its backed with the work of a quality mechanic before you leave.

Safety Check

Getting your car safety checked before you leave on a road trip is absolutely essential. The last thing you want while road-tripping is to get hurt, or hurt someone else. Protect yourself, your family and others on the road with a full vehicle safety check by a qualified mechanic before you leave.

Lights

You may be driving at night, or through foggy conditions. You should ensure your lights are fully functional and provide adequate light before you leave. If your lights are oxidized you will have trouble navigating unfamiliar roads in your car, putting you and others on the road at risk.

Oil

Running out of oil can be incredibly dangerous, if your car runs out of oil components will heat up, causing friction and damage. Ensure your car is topped up, and your oil filters are checked by a qualified mechanic before you go.

Water

Ensure your car has adequate water in the windscreen wipers and radiator. Remember not to use tap water in your car, otherwise you will get rust and oxidization. The best water to put through your car is distilled water. You can purchase distilled water through most supermarkets and automotive stores.

Aircon

In Australia, we definitely know what it's like to experience hot weather! One of the worst things that can happen during a road trip is for your aircon to stop working. Ensure your aircon is gassed adequately before you leave to ensure you can stay comfortable while on your trip.

Car Tools

No matter how many checks you do, something can always go wrong. Ensuring you have the adequate tools in your vehicle can save you waiting hours for roadside assistance. Proper vehicle tool kits include a jack, sockets, wrenches, tyre kit, tyre bar and a screwdriver set.