Motoring

Get road trip ready with this car safety checklist

car driving on a coastal Australian road

RACV

Posted March 04, 2024

The key to a safe and successful road trip is preparation. From emergency roadside assistance to packing your car safety kit, here's what to check with your car before you leave on a road trip.

You’ve planned your travel route, packed your bags, loaded the car, and are about to embark on that long-awaited road trip. But are you fully prepared from a vehicle safety perspective?

RACV Training Manager for Auto Services Peter Smith says you can never be too careful when it comes to vehicle safety, especially when embarking on a road trip.

“Incidents and breakdowns on the road happen more often than you think." says Smith. Of course, having comprehensive car insurance and emergency roadside assistance in place is critical before heading off, but ensuring your car is in safe working order can give you additional confidence and comfort on the road.”

So, before you take off on your road trip, ensure your car is safe by completing these important safety checks.

Road trip safety tips check list

Before you head off on your road trip, complete this safety check list.

 

Road trip preparation checklist

 

Test your car and get it serviced

You should be regularly completing easy DIY car maintenance jobs like checking your tyre pressure and replacing windscreen wiper inserts. Test all the lights on your vehicle, including headlights, brake lights, tail lights, and indicators. Replace any faulty bulbs immediately. Also, check the windshield wipers for wear and tear, ensuring the wiper blades provide clear visibility during wet conditions.

Review the levels of vital fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. It's necessary to keep these fluids at the suggested levels for optimal performance.

However, unless you're a mechanic, you need to get your car professionally serviced before a road trip. Undertaking a car service is essential before driving because if your car is not in safe working order the likelihood of a breakdown or accident increases.

Find an RACV Accredited Auto Care Centre near you and book your vehicle in for a service before heading off on your road trip. A reputable mechanic will check your car's battery, tyres, headlights, oil, brake fluid, water levels, air conditioning and more to make sure everything is working and in good condition.

Plan your fuel and rest stops

The key to a successful and safe road trip is planning. That means planning your route, knowing where the major towns are along the way for supplies and fuel. RACV's mobility app arevo has a Fuel Finder feature, with an interactive map that displays fuel prices at nearby petrol stations. You can decide where to fill up, with the possibility of saving money.

If you're an RACV Member, find out how you can save money on fuel with a combination of discounts. 

Schedule your rest breaks around your fuel stops. It's recommended drivers take at least a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving and share the trip with another driver, if possible.

Drive an EV? You can also plan your charging stops

If you’re driving an electric vehicle, careful planning is essential. Along with knowing the locations of charging stations, you’ll also need to factor in the extra time needed for charging. There are about 3000 public charging stations around Australia, with 450 in Victoria, and a mix of standard and fast chargers (less than 50kW), ultra-rapid chargers (350-475kW) and Tesla Superchargers (120kW).

Download the Chargefox mobile app to find your nearest compatible charger and check charger prices and availability. RACV Members can save money on charging at participating Chargefox ultra-rapid charging stations located across Australia. 

 

car driving on road in the Australian bush

Give your car a thorough clean before your road trip. Image: Getty

 

Update your emergency roadside assistance subscription

If your car battery goes flat, you get a punctured tyre or you lock yourself out of the car, you can have peace of mind with emergency roadside assistance. 

RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance covers regional Victoria and interstate, with 24/7 support Australia wide. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are included. Check your details are up to date before departing on your road trip to keep any assistance callouts smooth and rapid.

Observe the rules around mobile devices in the car

Victoria's road rules around portable devices changed on March 31, 2023. L and P platers are subject to more restrictions than drivers with a full licence, but all drivers must not text, scroll, play games or rest a device on any part of the body when they are driving.

These changes aim to keep road users safe, reflect the significant increase in technologies capable of distracting a driver, and bring Victoria into line with the road rules in other states.

Before heading off for the day, check your communication devices are fully charged, with their charging cables packed in an easily accessible location.

A fully charged device is a vital safety tool if you get lost or your car breaks down. You’ll need your mobile phone to call emergency roadside assistance, to use a map application, and to locate any major towns with auto repair centres nearby.

man on phone while looking at car engine

Call RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance if you break down on a road trip. Image: Getty

 

Check your tyres

Tyres are the connection between your vehicle and the road. Keeping your tyres in good condition is vital to ensuring your safety while driving, especially when travelling for long distances. Well-maintained tyres can also save you money by increasing fuel efficiency.

Before heading out on a road trip, check that your tyres have been inflated to their recommended pressure. This can be found in your car's manual and often on the driver's side door, glovebox or inside the fuel cap. RACV Accredited Auto Care Centres also recommend you to get your wheels aligned regularly, as misaligned wheels can cause tyres to wear out faster and increase the risk of vibration and skidding. Carrying a spare tyre is recommended, with RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance available 24/7 to help you replace a punctured or damaged tyre. 

Organise and clean your car inside and out

A neat and organised interior can prevent driver distractions, keep the kids comfortable, and help you focus on driving safely.

If you’re heading away on a long trip, take the time to properly organise your car. Storage boxes can be used to house loose items and kids toys in the boot. This will prevent things flying around in the car and posing a risk to the driver and passengers. If travelling with a pet, make sure it is secure and comfortable.

Check your vehicle for any spiders or insects that may have taken up residence in your car. This is common after prolonged periods of being parked under a tree or in the garage.

Prepare for weather and road conditions

Monitoring weather forecasts is crucial to stay informed about any potential hazards or challenges that may arise during your road trip. Keep an eye on local weather reports, especially if you're travelling to an area with unpredictable weather patterns. This will help you make informed decisions and adjust your travel plans accordingly.

Understanding how different road conditions affect driving is also critical for your safety. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can significantly impact visibility and traction on the road. Adjust your driving speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to help prevent accidents.

Pack your emergency car safety kit

Difficulties can arise, even for well-prepared and experienced drivers. Having a car safety kit will ensure you have essential items on hand should there be an emergency.

Your kit should include a phone charger, bottled water, non-perishable food, car owner's manual, torch with spare batteries, jumper leads, hi-vis vest, reflective triangle, picnic rug or blanket, spare wheel and tyre, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, your emergency roadside assistance details and a small amount of cash.

 

Being road trip happy is the best.
Sign up to RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance before you leave →

 

The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s)issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.