6 Essential Vehicle Checks Before Embarking on a Road Trip

Nothing compares to the freedom of a road trip. Rolling landscapes, unexpected stops, and the joy of setting your own pace.

But before shifting gears straight into drive, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is just as ready as your playlist and snack stash.

Overlooking even basic maintenance can turn an epic journey into a roadside nightmare. To help avoid delays or breakdowns, we’ve curated a pre-road trip checklist for you to cross off before you head off on your adventure.

1. Inspect Your Tyres Thoroughly

Image credit: Andrea Placquadlo

First things first, your tyres will be doing much of the heavy lifting. They're often the first line of defence in an emergency and directly affect handling, fuel economy, and safety. In fact, many road mishaps trace back to tyre neglect.

To ensure a smooth ride, there are a few things you can look out for:

Tread Depth: Look for at least 1.5mm of tread. Anything less means less grip, especially in wet conditions. Check for bald spots or uneven wear.

Tyre Pressure: Inflate according to the manufacturer's recommended PSI. You’ll usually find this on a placard inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Under or over-inflation can compromise control and tyre lifespan.

Spare Tyre & Tools: Make sure that the spare is properly inflated and free of damage. It’s a good idea to pack a jack, wheel brace, and any vehicle-specific tools required for a change.

If your road trip is close to a tyre rotation interval, completing it before departure would provide some peace of mind–it’s a quick way to extend tyre life and balance wear.

Plus, planning ahead can help you anticipate any dramas–read up on road trip destinations and make sure you map out your journey before you set out to avoid any hiccups along the way.

Finally, for extra protection and reassurance during those longer drives, you’ll need CTP from a provider like NRMA insurance to ensure that you’re covered in the case of a road accident. Preparing for the worst can actually pave the road to a smooth time.

2. Check and Top Up All Fluid Levels

Image credit: Daniel Andraski

Fluids keep your car cool, lubricated, and responsive.

Checking your fluid levels can prevent overheating, engine failure or brake issues.

Before you hit the road, check the below fluid types:

After you’ve checked the fluids, take a minute to scan underneath the car for any signs of leaking. Catching it early can save hours—and dollars—down the track.

3. Test Your Brakes

Before getting on the highway, it’s a good idea to check that your brakes are responsive and sound.

Hence, the next time you get into your car, watch and listen for:

• Squealing or grinding noises
• Vibrations or pulsing during braking
• A spongy or soft brake pedal
• Your vehicle pulling to one side when braking

If pads or rotors are visible, glancing over them even briefly can reveal excessive wear or scoring. If you’re still unsure about what you’re seeing or hearing, visit a mechanic and get a second opinion.

4. Ensure Battery Health

Image credit: Daniel Andraski 

Long trips with heavy accessory use (charging devices, running AC, etc.) can quickly result in a weak battery.

Here are a few tips and tricks when it comes to assessing your car battery:

• Inspect terminals for corrosion. Clean with a wire brush where needed.
• Confirm secure connections to avoid power loss mid-trip.
• Test voltage with a multimeter (the ideal range is 12.4–12.7V when off).
• Check age: Most batteries last 3–5 years. If you’re near that mark, consider getting a replacement before your trip.

For those long hours on the road, packing jumper leads or a portable jump starter can be your saving grace. They take up minimal space and give you assurance that wherever you are, you’ll be able to get your car out of a tricky spot.

5. Verify All Lights Are Operational

Lighting isn’t just about visibility, it’s how you communicate with other vehicles. Faulty lights risk accidents and fines.

So before your road trip begins, run a quick system check, going through the below list systematically:

• Headlights: Low and high beam
• Brake lights: Confirm both activate evenly
• Turn signals: Front and rear
• Reverse lights: Illuminate when gear is engaged
• Fog lights and hazards: For poor weather or emergencies

If any bulbs seem dim or don’t activate, replace them straight away. You should also clean the lenses too, road grime dulls brightness more than most expect.

Keeping a few spares in the glove-box is a smart move.

6. Assess Wipers and Air Conditioning

Comfort and visibility go hand in hand when driving long stretches.

Starting with the wipers, check for:

Blade condition: Streaking or squeaking means that the rubber is worn and should be replaced.

Test spray function: Ensure fluid sprays evenly across the glass and that you have enough water to wash anything off when you’re driving that might obstruct visibility.

Top up washer fluid: Extending from the above, be sure to have a proper mix to prevent freezing or streaking.

Then, move on to the air conditioning:

Turn it on: Listen for unusual noises.

Check airflow: Should feel strong and cool within seconds.

Notice odours: Musty smells may signal clogged filters.

If performance seems weak, book in to get your car serviced. A cool, dry cabin makes every kilometre more enjoyable.

As a bonus tip, don’t forget to include your road trip packing essentials. A well-packed vehicle is just as important as a well-maintained one.

Having a first aid kit or offline versions of maps downloaded before you head out can save you headaches during your journey, and give you peace of mind that your road trip will be a smooth one.

These six checks are relatively quick and easy to carry out, and they really are the difference between smooth cruising and roadside delays.

For the best chance of a stress-free drive, give yourself a few days before departure to complete them. If something feels off, don’t push your luck, book in with a professional for a check ASAP.

Post written by Lucy Mitchell