You’ve mapped out the route, planned the perfect playlist and pinned every scenic lookout and roadside attraction along the way – you’re almost ready to embark on an epic Australian road trip.
But, while deciding on your dream destinations is arguably the most enjoyable step as you plan out a road trip, there’s something else that shouldn’t be overlooked: getting your car ready to tackle the journey ahead.
“An unexpected mechanical failure can quickly turn a holiday inconvenience into a serious safety risk if you’re stranded far from assistance,” says Rod Lofts, a senior technical writer on the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce MotorTech team.
That’s where performing a few key pre-road trip checks, packing some emergency supplies and making sure you’re comfortable with your car insurance cover before you hit the road could make a big difference to how successful – and stress-free – your adventure will be.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve created this road trip planner which outlines how to prepare your car for a road trip to help it go the distance. We’ll also share some practical steps and resources that could come to your aid, in case something doesn’t go to plan.
Why prepare for a long road trip?
Long distances, unpredictable weather, heavy loads and unfamiliar roads can all combine to put a greater than normal strain on your vehicle. And in a country where the next town might be hundreds of kilometres away, car trouble can become a trip-ending problem – or worse.
As a result, Lofts says it’s important to make sure your car is in good shape before embarking on a road trip.
“A well-maintained vehicle is not only safer and more reliable, it’s also more fuel-efficient and less likely to suffer an unexpected breakdown,” he says.
“And for Australians travelling long distances, particularly in regional or remote areas, preparation becomes even more critical.
“Taking the time to ensure your vehicle is properly prepared before a long trip provides peace of mind and greatly reduces the chances of a costly or dangerous disruption to your travel plans.”
How to get your car ready for a road trip
Preparing a car for a road trip doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some key car checks and preparation steps to include in your Australian road trip planner.
1. Get to know your car
Before you start your journey, Lofts says it’s a good idea to make sure you’re familiar with your car – if you’re not already – and in the habit of performing regular walk-around checks.
“You don’t need to be a mechanic – you simply need to be able to recognise when something looks different from normal, such as a fluid leak, unusually low coolant levels or worn tyres,” he says.
“And if something doesn’t look right, it’s best to have it checked by an auto professional before your trip.”
2. Check the fluid levels
“Most owner’s manuals recommend checking fluid levels,” says Lofts.
He suggests making sure the following fluids are checked and topped up where required, before a road trip:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Washer fluid
“You should also ensure you’re using the correct fluids and lubricants specified for your vehicle as modern engines can require very specific oils and additives,” he adds.
3. Inspect the tyres
“Ensure they are in good condition, properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth,” says Lofts.
Government roadworthy sources say tyres must have a tread of at least 1.5mm deep and must not have any cracks or bumps or be worn unevenly.1
Information about the proper inflation levels for your car’s specific tyres can usually be found on a label attached to the driver’s side door, door rail, glove box or fuel door.2 If not, refer to your owner’s manual.2
“And don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well,” says Lofts.
4. Consider booking your car in for a pre-trip service
Lofts says that if you’re planning a long trip – particularly something like a multi-week, cross-country journey – it’s wise to book your car in for a full service well in advance of departure.
“If you have any doubts about your vehicle’s condition, or if it hasn’t been serviced recently, booking it in for a professional inspection is the safest option,” he advises.
As well as double checking your car’s tyres and fluids, Lofts says a qualified technician will also be able to check the timing belt, brake pads and discs, and the battery.
“A weak battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns,” he notes. “Most workshops can quickly test the battery’s health and replace it if necessary before you travel.”
5. Inspect any equipment you’re towing
“If you’re towing a trailer or caravan, it’s equally important to have the relevant components inspected before the trip too,” says Lofts.
Checking the tyres and lights of the trailer or caravan is recommended, as well as calculating the weight of what you’re towing, including your contents – everything from tank water and gas to luggage and food.3 Exceeding your maximum towing weight could negatively impact your warranty, insurance and safety.3
6. Prepare an emergency kit
“Motorists travelling into remote areas should plan for the unexpected,” says Lofts. “Carrying basic supplies such as water, food and communication equipment can make a significant difference if you experience trouble far from assistance.”
Other items you might like to consider packing in your car emergency kit include a first-aid kit,4 a torch and a high-visibility vest,5 which could make it easier for other drivers to see you at a distance, or if you break down and visibility is poor.6
And, if you drive an electric vehicle (EV), don’t forget to pack your battery charging cable as some public charging stations require you to bring your own.7 Before you head off on your road trip, it can also be a good idea to think about the best charging locations for your planned routes and preferred charging needs.7
7. Check your car insurance cover
While Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in Australia, this only covers injuries to people caused by your car – not damage to cars or property.8
So, if you want to insure your car for damage that it might experience on a road trip – or damage it might cause to someone else’s vehicle if you have an accident that’s your fault – you’ll need to explore taking out a general car insurance policy.8
At Youi, we offer three different types of car insurance:
- Comprehensive car insurance. As the name suggests, this is our highest level of car insurance, covering accidental damage to your car and other people’s cars or property, even if the accident was your fault. It also covers your car if it’s intentionally damaged or stolen, or damaged by fire or some severe weather – including storm, hail and floods – and more.9,10
- Third Party Fire & Theft car insurance. This covers damage that your car causes to other people’s cars or property, and it also covers your car for theft or fire damage.10
- Third Party Property Only car insurance. This covers damage that your car causes to other people’s cars or property. However, it doesn’t cover any type of damage to your car.10
“Deciding which type of car insurance is right for you can depend on multiple factors, including your financial situation and the events you want your car to be insured for,” says Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product – Vehicle and Lifestyle.
“That’s why when you’re choosing car insurance, it’s important to take the time to understand exactly what each option covers you for, so you can make an informed choice.”
8. Consider roadside assistance cover
“Getting roadside assistance coverage is worthwhile for long trips,” says Lofts. “It ensures that if something does go wrong, help is available and you can get back on the road safely.”
At Youi, Roadside Assist is automatically included with Comprehensive car insurance as standard.11
“So, if you’ve got Comprehensive insurance with us and you break down while you’re travelling – whether it’s a battery problem, a mechanical failure or your car’s run out of fuel – help is just a phone call away,” says Jackson.11
“As long as you’re on a road that can be accessed by a two-wheel drive vehicle, Roadside Assist is available 24/7, even if you’re road tripping and you break down in another state or territory.11
“And, if we can’t get your car back on the road, we’ll cover the cost of towing it to an accredited repairer, up to 20 kilometres from the breakdown location in a metro area, and 50 kilometres in a regional one.”11
Extra road trip planner resources
Once your car’s ready to go, you might like to bookmark, download or print out these resources before you start your journey:
- Road and traffic condition websites: Wherever your road trip takes you, you can keep up to speed with road closures, hazards and incidents in WA, Tasmania, NT and across NSW, ACT, Queensland, Victoria and SA.
- BOM weather app: Access forecasts, radar maps and weather warnings using this app wherever you are – and are heading – in Australia.
- Breakdown action plan: Print and fill out our downloadable breakdown checklist to keep in your glove box, so you’ll know what to do if your car encounters a problem while you’re road tripping.
- Car accident checklist: Print and fill out our downloadable accident checklist to take with you on your road trip. If you’re involved in an accident, you’ll know which details to gather about the incident and from other drivers.
- Emergency+ app: If you need to call an emergency service, this app automatically shares your location with the person who answers your call, in case you’re not sure exactly where in Australia you are.
As we’ve seen, thanks to Australia’s climate, vast distances and unique landscape, knowing how to plan a road trip involves more than simply choosing destinations and booking accommodation.
Along with prepping your car and packing emergency supplies, you might also want to revisit your car insurance before you leave home.
Keen to find insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped? Consider starting a quote online or by giving us a call on 13 9684.
1 Source: NSW Government – Roadworthiness
2 Source: Qld Government – TyreSmart – Play your P.A.R.T
3 Source: Visit NSW – Q: How do I prepare for a caravan road trip?
4 Source: Better Health Channel – First aid kits
5 Source: Qld Government – Breakdown safety on motorways and freeways, January 2024
6 Source: National Road Safety Partnership Program – NRSPP Fact Sheet: High Visibility Clothing, June 2023
7 Source: Australian Government – How to charge your electric vehicle
8 Source: Moneysmart – Choosing car insurance
9 Available with Comprehensive policies only. Exclusions and limits may apply. Where you have increased your cover or reduced your excess within 72 hours of a flood, storm, hail or bushfire occurring, cover will be limited to the amount that was effective prior to the change. Loss, damage or legal liability caused by, resulting or arising from flood, storm, hail or bushfire during the first 72 hours of your policy first being purchased is excluded unless certain conditions apply. For full details, see the PDS, TMD and your policy schedule.
10 Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. For full details, see the Car Insurance PDS.
11 Youi Roadside Assist available with Comprehensive policies only. Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. Cover not available within the first 24 hours of taking out, or upgrading to, Comprehensive cover. For full details, see the Roadside Assistance T&Cs and Car PDS.
