Summer is one of the best times to explore Australia, with its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and picturesque towns. The weather can be so enticing and make it that much fun to go exploring. The only problem is that same weather can be hard on our cars.
If you’re a road trip this summer, making sure your car’s maintenance is up to scratch just might save you a trip on a tow truck. Of course, we’d be happy to help if you need a tow in Brisbane but. . . it doesn’t exactly make for a fun holiday adventure for you!
Here are the essentials you’ll want to go over before you head off on your trip.
Get a Tune-Up
Whether you have the tools a knowledge to do it yourself or you prefer to head to a local mechanic, give everything a thorough check. A code reader and a careful inspection of important components will go a long way.
At a minimum, you’ll want to take a look at the following, while the engine is cold, if you’re doing it at home. Otherwise, you can expect your local mechanic to take care of all of these points and more.
- Engine oil: When’s the last time it was changed? How’s the level and colour?
- Coolant: Is it due to be replaced? How’s the level? Any signs of build-up in the radiator?
- Brakes: How much life is left in your pads?
- Suspension: Any leaks or damaged components?
- Transmission Fluid: If your car has an automatic transmission, check your manual to see when the fluid is due to be replaced.
Although it won’t cause a roadside break down, take some time to check that all of your lights are working too. Headlights, high beams, brake lights, tail lights and indicators. This is usually a quick, low-cost fix that can avoid a costly fine.
Check Your Tyres
Your tires are the only 4 points of contact your car has with the road so you want to make sure they’re up to the task.
Use your fingers to feel inside the grooves of the tread pattern. Tracing your finger through those grooves, you’ll find a raised section that indicates the minimum tread depth. If your tires are at or approaching those markers, it’s time for some new tires.
Aside from tread depth, you also want to check how evenly they’re wearing. Are they more worn on the inside of the tyre vs the outside or vice versa? What about the edges vs the middle? The way your tyres are wearing can tell you a lot about your alignment and tire pressures.
If they’re worn more on the inside or outside, you’ll want to get a wheel alignment sooner rather than later as this is an indication they’re not aligned correctly.
A tyre that’s more worn on the outer edges is an indication that they’ve been driven under-inflated for a long time. Conversely, if they’re worn in a strip down the middle, you’re running a pressure that’s too high.
Important: Don’t forget to check your spare tyre as well. A deflated, cracked or damaged spare tyre could be the difference between a simple flat and calling a tow truck.
Inspect the Cooling System
Australian summers put a lot of stress on your car’s cooling system. Before your road trip, check the coolant levels and make sure the radiator, fan(s) and hoses are in good condition.
Spotting a slightly cracked radiator hose now could potentially save you thousands of dollars repairing or replacing an overheated engine if you don’t catch it in time. This is such a simple thing that anyone can check but we rarely think to do it.
Check the Battery
Image Source: AutoBarn
Another common element that we all tend to forget about until it’s too late is the battery. Modern batteries last for years so we don’t even think to check it until the car hesitates to start one day.
If it’s already starting to get weak, all it can take is accidentally leaving a light on over night for it to completely die. If you have a manual transmission, you may be able to clutch start it. If you have an auto then you’re going to need some jumper leads, a booster pack or, worst case, a tow truck.
The easiest way to check both your battery and alternator are working well is to buy a battery and alternator tester. You can buy a simple one for under $20 and it might save you a whole lot of hassle in the future.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Road trips typically mean long, open stretches of highway with limited facilities along the way. Particularly if you’re travelling with the whole family, having a basic emergency kit on board is a good idea.
Bring some water, snacks and basic first aid supplies, along with a torch and some orange markers. While you’ll hopefully have no need for any of this, having a way to signal that you’re broken down and a torch to inspect the problem in the dark could be a literal life saver. Not to mention keeping everyone hydrated on particularly hot days.
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Preparing your car for a summer road trip in Australia is critical for a safe and enjoyable trip. It’s essential to have your car serviced by a professional mechanic, check your tires, inspect the cooling system, check the battery, and pack an emergency kit. Remember, it’s cheaper to prevent problems than to fix them, so investing in car maintenance before your road trip can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Happy travels!