Road trip checklist: Why a pre-trip vehicle inspection could save your holiday
At a glance
- A pre-trip vehicle inspection can help reduce the risk of breakdowns, unexpected repair bills and travel delays.
- RACQ Auto recommends checking tyres, battery, fluids, lights and your windscreen before setting off.
- Battery-related issues were the leading cause of RACQ Roadside Assistance callouts in FY26.
- RACQ members can save $150 on Basic, Basic Plus and Logbook servicing at RACQ Auto at Caloundra and Geebung.
- Checking roadside assistance and insurance cover before departure can provide added peace of mind.
Queenslanders love a road trip, but before loading up the car and hitting the highway, it pays to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey.
RACQ Auto Caloundra Branch Manager Luke Hall said a little preparation before departure could help motorists avoid unnecessary stress, inconvenience and costly breakdowns during their holiday.
"Before any long road trip, the best thing motorists can do for peace of mind is have their vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic," Mr Hall said.
"A professional inspection can identify potential issues early and help ensure your holiday starts and finishes safely."
RACQ research has found many Queenslanders are postponing vehicle maintenance due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, but delaying essential servicing could prove far more expensive if a preventable fault occurred while travelling.
"Nobody wants to start their holiday with an unexpected breakdown," Mr Hall said.
Are you due for a scheduled service?
If your next service is due, book it before you leave. A scheduled service can identify wear and tear that may not be obvious during day-to-day driving.
"Many vehicle faults develop gradually and don't always show obvious warning signs," Mr Hall said.
"Having a mechanic inspect your car before a long journey can help uncover potential issues before they become roadside breakdowns."
RACQ Auto recommended
Long-time RACQ member Narelle Herbert was unaware she could have her vehicle serviced at RACQ Auto until it was recommended by a friend and fellow member.“I had no idea RACQ offered car servicing, but as soon as I found out, I took both my cars to RACQ Auto Geebung,” Narelle said.
Having trusted RACQ for many years, Narelle said choosing RACQ Auto felt like a natural decision.
“I've been with the RACQ ever since I can remember, so I felt confident taking my cars there,” she said.
“I've used them twice for my Hyundai Tucson and twice for my Hyundai i20, and I'll keep taking both cars back.
“The team at RACQ Auto Geebung is incredible. I can't speak highly enough of them.”
“They're extremely courteous, they explain exactly what they've found, and they let me know if there's anything additional that needs attention.”
Narelle said her positive experience had reinforced the trust she already had in the organisation.
“I’ve already recommended them to my group of friends,” she said.
“One of them is taking their car there soon, and I’m sure more will follow.”
Essential vehicle checks before your road trip
Whether you're planning a coastal getaway or an extended drive through regional Queensland, RACQ recommends completing these essential vehicle checks before setting off.Fluids
Check oil and fluid levels, including engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid and clutch fluid. If your vehicle isn't due for servicing, these are simple checks drivers can carry out themselves.Wipers and washer fluid
Replace wiper blades that streak or shudder and ensure washer fluid is topped up to maintain visibility in wet, dusty or buggy conditions.Check your windscreen
Even minor chips and cracks can worsen during a long trip, particularly when exposed to rough roads or changing temperatures.Tyres
Inspect tyres for wear, cracks and damage and ensure they have sufficient tread depth. Don't forget to check pressures, including the spare tyre. In FY26, RACQ Roadside Assistance crews attended to nearly 1,500 flat tyres per week across Queensland.Battery
A battery nearing the end of its life can leave you stranded without warning. Signs of trouble include slow starts, warning lights and electrical systems behaving erratically. RACQ Roadside Assistance data shows battery-related issues were the main reason for callouts in FY26, with 266,109 events out of a total of 715,700.Lights and indicators
Check headlights, brake lights, indicators and hazard lights to ensure they are all operating correctly.Roadside assistance
Review your roadside assistance cover before you travel, particularly if your trip involves regional or remote areas.Insurance
Make sure your insurance policy is current and provides the level of cover appropriate for your holiday plans.First-aid kit
Keep a first-aid kit and high-visibility vest in the vehicle in case of an emergency.Check the weather and road conditions
Before leaving, review weather forecasts and check for road closures or incidents that may affect your journey. Summer storms, flooding and extreme heat can impact driving conditions across Queensland.Why pre-trip preparation matters
A little preparation before you leave can help make your Queensland road trip safer, smoother and more enjoyable.A pre-trip vehicle inspection can identify worn tyres, ageing batteries, fluid leaks and other issues that may not be obvious during everyday driving. Addressing these problems before departure can help reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and costly delays while you're away.
Whether you're heading to the Sunshine Coast, Tropical North Queensland or anywhere in between, completing a pre-trip inspection with RACQ Auto can give you greater confidence behind the wheel.
*Offer valid to RACQ members only for $150 off Basic, Basic plus and Logbook services. $150 offer is in addition to the $25 RACQ member discount. Available at RACQ Auto Caloundra and Geebung stores only. Offer is valid for bookings made and completed on or before 30 November 2026. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer unless otherwise specified. Additional parts, repairs or services required will be charged separately. Not available on all makes and models – eligibility will be confirmed at time of booking. Vehicle must be serviced in accordance with manufacturer specifications and RACQ Auto servicing criteria. RACQ Auto reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this offer at any time without notice. All bookings are subject to availability. Conditions, limits and exclusions apply.
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Things to note
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