Two people sit on the back of a white car parked by the roadside, studying a map for their holiday road trip. In the background, two trucks pass by, reminding them of the importance of road trip safety.

Your Ultimate Summer Road Trip Safety Guide

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Need practical road trip safety information ahead of your driving holiday? We’ve got you! Consider this your ultimate guide to a safe holiday road trip, where we give you all the steps to make your car ready for a long drive.

From how to check your oil and inspect your brakes to what to pack in your emergency kit – we take you through the essentials.

A low-angle view of a rural road with a worn yellow line down the center evokes the freedom of a holiday road trip, leading towards distant hills and surrounded by trees under an overcast sky.

1. Make sure your car has had its annual service

Getting a professional to give your car a major service will give you the peace of mind knowing that it’s been thoroughly inspected before you take to the road.

If you’ve recently had your car serviced, most of the essential checks should already have been taken care of. Especially if you’ve used our car servicing checklist to make sure you got what you paid for.

However, it’s still a good idea to double-check a few things yourself, particularly if the service was a few weeks ago. The next steps outline those road trip safety checks:

2. Check fluids for road trip safety

Fluids like engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid keep everything running smoothly and prevent overheating, which is a bigger risk in hot weather. Here’s what you need to check:

Engine oil

The engine oil dipstick is usually located near the front or side of the engine, often with a brightly coloured handle (yellow or orange) for easy identification. The oil filler cap is also nearby, usually marked with an oil can symbol.

Level: Use the dipstick to check the oil level. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Colour and consistency: Fresh oil is usually a golden-brown colour. If it’s dark and gritty, it might be time for an oil change.
Leaks: Look for any signs of oil leaks under the car or around the engine.

Read more on how to check your oil – here.

Wearing gloves, the person is pouring motor oil into the car engine, ensuring everything is set for holiday road trip adventures.

Brake fluid and road trip safety

The brake fluid reservoir is often found near the back of the engine bay, close to the driver’s side. It’s typically a small, translucent container with a cap that might be labelled with “brake fluid.”

Level: Check that the fluid level in the reservoir is between the minimum and maximum lines.
Colour: Fresh brake fluid is typically clear or light amber. If it’s dark or cloudy, it may need to be replaced.
Leaks: Look for any signs of leaking fluid around the brake lines and under the vehicle.

Transmission fluid

The transmission fluid dipstick (if your car has one) is generally located at the back of the engine bay, closer to the transmission. The dipstick often has a brightly coloured handle as well. Some vehicles may not have a dipstick, in which case checking the fluid usually requires a mechanic.

Level: If your car has a dipstick, check the level while the engine is running and the transmission is in park.
Colour and smell: Good transmission fluid is usually bright red or pink and has a slightly sweet smell. If it’s brown or smells burnt, it might need to be changed.
Consistency: It should feel smooth; if it feels gritty, it could indicate contamination.

Windshield washer fluid

The windshield washer fluid reservoir is typically found near the front of the engine bay, often on the driver’s side. It’s usually a clear or translucent container with a cap, often marked with a windshield/water symbol.

Level: Check that the fluid level in the reservoir is enough to fill the windshield washer nozzles.
Condition: Make sure the fluid is clear and not dirty or cloudy. If it’s low, simply top it up with the appropriate washer fluid.

A person with pink hair diligently washes a black car with a soapy sponge, preparing it for the ultimate holiday road trip.

3. Check your tyres

Checking your tyres before a summer road trip is essential. Hot weather can increase tyre pressure, and long-distance driving adds extra wear, so having the right pressure and tread depth is really important. Properly inflated tyres with good tread help with grip, especially on winding or wet roads, and improve fuel efficiency, saving you money on fuel.

Here’s what you need to look at:

  • Tread depth: Confirm your tyre tread is within legal limits for optimal grip. You can do this with a tread depth gauge or do the “coin test.” Take a 20-cent coin and place it into the tread grooves of your tyre with the 20-cent symbol facing down. If you can see the entire 20-cent coin, the tread is too shallow, and it’s time to replace the tyre. If part of the coin is covered by the tread, your tyres are still within a safe range.
  • Tyre pressure: Properly inflated tyres make fuel efficiency and handling better. Read why car tyre pressure is so important – here. Use a tyre pressure gauge to measure the pressure when the tyres are cold (before driving). If you don’t have a gauge, go to your closest petrol station, where you’ll be able to use theirs. Compare the reading to the recommended pressure, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.
  • Spare tyre: Make sure it’s in good condition and properly inflated.
  • Wheel alignment: Poor car wheel alignment can cause uneven tyre wear and steering issues. While you can’t check wheel alignment yourself without special equipment, you can look for signs that indicate misalignment, such as uneven tyre wear, your car pulling to one side, or the steering wheel being off-centre when driving straight.

4. Inspect the brakes

Good brakes are crucial for road trip safety. You want to make sure they respond well when you need to stop, especially since summer driving can mean more traffic and maybe some unexpected situations.

Brakes can wear down over time, and hot weather can put extra stress on them. If your brakes are squeaking or making unusual noises when you press the brake pedal, it usually means they need attention. Here are other checks to do:

When you press the brake pedal, it should feel firm. If it feels soft or goes to the floor, this could indicate a problem, such as low brake fluid or air in the brake lines.

If you can see the brake pads through the wheel spokes, check their thickness. If they appear thin (less than 3mm), they may need replacing.

If you notice any issues during your checks or if you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a mechanic. They can do a more thorough inspection and ensure everything is in good condition.

An aerial view captures a serene lake with a curving road perfect for a holiday road trip, bordered by lush green lawns and trees. The city skyline stands in the distance under a clear sky, offering breathtaking views along your journey while ensuring road trip safety.

5. Test all lights

A long summer trip means you might be driving after sunset. Make sure you check your lights beforehand so you can drive confidently. Here’s how to do it:

  • Headlights: Turn on your headlights and switch between low and high beams. Stand in front to see if both works.
  • Brake lights: Have someone press the brake pedal while you look at the back. Alternatively, back up to a wall to see the lights activate.
  • Indicators: Turn on each signal and confirm they’re blinking. Use the reflection method if you’re alone.
  • Reverse lights: Put the car in reverse to see if the reverse lights come on. You may need help with this.
  • Interior lights: Open the doors or use the light switch to check all interior lights.
  • Dashboard indicators: Start the car and check for any warning lights on the dashboard. Here’s a list of 16 car dashboard symbols and meanings.

6. Check the battery

Hot weather can also put extra stress on your battery, and if it’s weak, you might find yourself stuck with a car that won’t start. A healthy battery ensures summer road trip safety and a smooth journey without any hiccups.

Here’s how to check it:

  1. Look for corrosion: Open the bonnet and check the battery terminals for any white, crusty buildup. If you see this, it can affect how well your battery works.
  2. Check connections: Make sure the battery cables are tightly connected. Loose connections can lead to starting problems.
  3. Test the charge: If you have a multimeter, set it to the DC voltage setting. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the car is off. If it’s below 12.4 volts, it might be time to recharge or replace it.
  4. Get a professional check: If you’re unsure or see any issues, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic test the battery for you. They can check its overall health and load capacity.

7. Check the back seatbelts

Seatbelts are your first line of defence in an accident. As adults we’re usually aware of problems with our seatbelts when we buckle in, but babies and toddlers in the backseat need us to be aware of their seatbelts, too. , they won’t be able to let you know if there’s a problem with their seat belt. Be sure to check them before your trip:

  1. Pull it out: Grab the seatbelt and pull it out all the way. This helps you check for any fraying or damage along the belt.
  2. Check the retractor: Let the seatbelt retract back into its housing. It should pull in smoothly without any hesitation or sticking. If it doesn’t, there may be an issue with the retractor mechanism.
  3. Test the buckle: Insert the seatbelt into the buckle and listen for a click. It should engage firmly and release easily. If it’s loose or hard to buckle, it may need to be replaced.
  4. Inspect for obstructions: Make sure there’s nothing blocking the seatbelt path, like debris or dirt. This can affect how the seatbelt functions.
A kangaroo hops across a sunlit rural road surrounded by grassy field.

8. Check wipers and windscreen

Summer in Australia not only means heat, but rain too. Ensuring your wipers work correctly is a big part of summer road trip safety. Here’s how to check your wipers and windscreen:

  1. Look at the rubber part of the wiper blades. They should be soft and flexible, without any cracks or tears. If they look worn out, it’s time to replace them.
  2. Turn on your wipers to see how well they work. They should move smoothly across the windscreen without skipping or leaving streaks. If they don’t clear the water effectively, consider replacing them.
  3. Make sure to clean the windscreen inside and out. Use a good glass cleaner for a clear view. Don’t forget to fill up your windscreen washer fluid reservoir too!
  4. Examine your windscreen for any cracks, chips, or scratches. Even small damage can worsen over time, especially with heat from the sun. If you see any issues, it’s best to get them repaired before your trip.

💡Pro-tip 💡 If you’re a PD Insurance member, you receive excess-free repair of your windscreen chips on our comprehensive insurance plan. You can also extend your cover with our windscreen and window glass optional cover, which gives you one excess-free glass claim per year; that’s up to $1,000 coverage!

9. Pack a road trip safety emergency kit

You never know when you might run into trouble, like a flat tyre, a dead battery, or even getting stuck in a remote area. Having an emergency kit means you’re prepared for unexpected situations, making your trip safer and less stressful. Here are your emergency kit essentials:

Basic tools: Include a jack, lug wrench, and jumper cables.
First aid kit: Pack band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and personal medications.
Torch: Plus extra batteries!
Food and water: Include non-perishable snacks (like energy bars) and bottled water.
Blanket: Add a warm blanket for comfort.
Roadside flares/reflective triangles: For visibility if stranded.
Duct tape and cable ties: For temporary fixes.
A fully-charged power bank: To charge your phone or GPS.
A physical map: As a backup to your phone or GPS.

A couple stands on a grassy hill overlooking a winding road with cars.

More essential road trip safety reads

Car insurance is essential to road trip safety

Taking a summer holiday road trip without car insurance is a big risk. If you get into an accident, you could be responsible for paying for damages to other vehicles, property, or injuries. This can lead to significant financial costs that can drain your savings.

Before setting off on your holiday road trip, get PD Insurance’s car insurance for peace of mind at the wheel. We offer comprehensive car insurance that covers damage, theft, third-party liability and car hire in case your car is stolen and so much more.

Click below to start your quote today.

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