How to Get Your Car Ready for a Long Road Trip Across Australia

There's something quite thrilling in organising a long road trip. If you're driving from Brisbane to Melbourne down the coast or inland via the red centre, the open highway is an unusual sense of freedom. But before that, spending a bit of time getting your car properly readied can make the difference between an excellent experience and a hell on wheels. A properly readied vehicle gives you confidence, keeps your family safe, and spares you from those side-of-the-road accidents that find you stuck in the middle of nowhere. Let us discuss the most important steps to prepare your car for the long trip.

Get a Professional Service Before You Depart

It is not only prudent to have your car serviced before you drive it far. It's one of the most prudent things you can do. A professional mechanic will be able to catch any trouble that you yourself would not even have detected, from poor brake pads to small fluid leaks that might otherwise develop into big problems hundreds of kilometres from a garage. It is particularly necessary if your vehicle has not had a service for a while or you hear some strange creaks or warning signs. Most drivers find that visiting a reliable car servicing centre like the Cavalo Service Department gives them peace of mind before setting off. When in for servicing, your technicians will inspect everything from your engine oil and filters to your battery life and cooling system to make sure all is in good working order.

Check Your Tyres Carefully

Your tyres are literally where the rubber hits the road, so take them seriously prior to any long trip. Begin by checking tread depth on all four tyres. You need at least three millimetres of tread, but the more you have on wet roads, the safer you will be. Inspect the sidewalls closely for cuts, bulges, or other signs of damage that could mean internal damage. Don't forget to inspect your spare tyre, either. Some folks discover their spare only when they attempt to use it. Tyre pressure is crucial, too. Under-inflated tyres use more fuel and will heat up on long highway runs, and over-inflated tyres will take away your grip on the road. Reference the owner's manual for the recommended pressure, and top off when you depart.

Stock Up on Critical Fluids

Australia's vast distances and occasionally unpredictable temperatures mean your car's fluids work overtime for longer than they normally would on extended road travel. Ensure your level of engine oil is correct and reasonably new. If it is black and gritty, have it changed before you go. Your cooling system is especially important if you are going to be driving in warm climates. Ensure your reservoir of coolant is full to the correct level and the mix is correct for the conditions you will be experiencing. Windscreen washer fluid is not an afterthought either. You'll find that you soon work your way through it when confronted with bugs, grime, and road dust. It's a good idea to carry spare bottles of oil and coolant in your boot if you're heading into the bush, where service stations will probably be fewer and farther between.

Test Your Battery and Electrical Systems

A dead battery in the city is inconvenient. A dead battery on an empty highway is dangerous. Get your battery checked before you go so that it's okay and the terminals are clean and tightened. Most batteries will provide some warning of failure prior to total failure, so if your vehicle has been taking its time to start lately, don't overlook it. While you're in electrical mode, work through all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Also check your horn operation. These are simple things to forget but well worth it for safe driving, particularly when you find yourself driving early morning, late evening, or at night. In case your automobile has been stationary for some time, drive it around before your journey to fully charge the battery and have all in perfect working condition.

Prepare Your Air Conditioning

Australian summers don't play around, and a malfunctioning air conditioning system can turn a comfortable drive into an endurance challenge. Pre-drive your air conditioning a little so it can blow cold air as intended. If it won't or is producing a strange noise, get someone to take a look at it. You could need to refill your refrigerant or have a leak somewhere in the system. Check and clean or replace your cabin air filter if it is dirty or clogged. A new filter provides better indoor air quality and spares your air conditioning from having to do extra work. Keep in mind that driving with your air conditioning takes more fuel, but include that in your route planning. But on long trips, convenience is worth it, especially if you've got kids or elderly persons travelling with you and might be more susceptible to heat. Pack an emergency kit.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Having a bare essentials emergency kit to fall back on provides you with alternatives if the worst occurs. Pack with you items such as a first aid kit, torch and spare batteries, drinkable water, some non-perishable snacks, a basic tool kit, jumper leads, and a reflective warning triangle. It is a good idea to pack a mobile charger, but mobile phone signal strength in the countryside is usually patchy. Bring a paper map as a backup guide. The others lug duct tape and cable ties, as these will hold a whole bunch of issues taped up in the meantime. If you're headed to quite out-of-the-way places, it's worth bringing some spare petrol, a water jerrycan, and even a sat phone. Too much, maybe, but when you're an hour outside the next town, overprovoking is the better option for sure. Plan Your Route and Rest Stops

Plan your trip ahead of time.

Get a general idea of where you will be fueling up for gas and eating and resting. Australia does have some quite large gaps between towns, so don't assume that you will be able to refuel when you want to. Make some advance checks on road conditions and be prepared to alter your route if it is not safe. The most important thing, though, is to plan regular rest stops. It is a serious hazard to drive a long distance, and mechanical preparedness counts for little if you are too tired to drive. Rest every two hours for at least fifteen minutes to stretch your legs, get a drink, and rest. Share turns at driving if possible. Being a few hours behind schedule is infinitely preferable to not arriving at all. Your Australian road trip must be one to remember for all the right reasons.