Road Trip Checklist

Before heading on a long road trip, there are certain things you need to keep in mind to ensure everything runs smoothly, from leaving at the right time to avoid traffic to bringing the right gear along with you. Additionally, a car service in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or surrounding areas is also advisable as you prepare to drive between major cities.

Time it right

Make sure to leave at the right time so that you avoid traffic. For example, if you’re living in Sydney and you’re heading up the coast for a long weekend, try to avoid leaving on Friday nights or Saturday mornings, as the traffic up the Pacific Highway can be killer at these times. Instead, arrange to miss work and leave on Friday morning or, if this isn’t possible, consider waking up early — we’re talking 4am — and leaving at that time. The early bird gets the worm!

Bring tools and supplies

Being prepared for a road trip is all about bringing along the right supplies. Fill up a can of petrol just in case you lose track of the gauge and find yourself out of petrol in the middle of nowhere. Make sure you have oil and a couple of litres of water ready too in case your engine or coolant needs refilling. Check that your spare tyre is ready and not bald, and make sure you have a tyre jack too. You should also bring jumper cables, garbage bags, flashlights and a first aid kit.

Make reservations

If the road trip is of the extra-long variety — ie., one that will take you longer than a day to complete — then you’re going to have to stop in a city or town between your destinations for one or more nights. If this is the case, make sure that you plan your stop well in advance and book camping ground or hotel accommodation before you arrive there, as there’s nothing worse than showing up and discovering that there are no vacancies. This is particularly important in peak season when many people may have the same idea as you. Nobody likes sleeping seated upright in the car!

Get your car serviced

Car services are essential before you take a road trip between any of these cities or the many towns surrounding them. Your car needs to be in tip-top shape and ready to take the rigours of long days out on the road. If you live in Melbourne, for example, consider contacting a mobile Melbourne car service. Mobile mechanics can visit you at your home or at the office, saving you time that you could spend preparing for your trip.

Take breaks and share

Once you’re out on the road, try and share the driving responsibilities between two or more people on the road trip, swapping around every two hours or less. This allows the passenger or passengers to rest and remain fresh for when it is their turn to drive. If you’re driving by yourself, or if you’re the only person in the car with a licence, then make sure you still stick to the two-hour rule — stop at a rest stop and stretch your legs, or go to the bathroom and buy a drink. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on the road again. If you do feel tired at any time, stop and have a nap until you feel confident getting back out on the road.