Simple car checks to put your safety first
Making a habit of checking your vehicle before you hit the road is essential to your safety.
Spend a few minutes following these simple steps to help avoid any unwanted disruptions on your next road trip.
Check your tyres
Make sure your tyres are in a good condition and at the right pressure. The tread needs to be a minimum 1.5mm across the entire area that contacts the road to be legal. In wet conditions, the deeper the tread the more water can be dispersed, which makes the drive safer. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre too!
Make sure your lights work
Ensure all exterior lights including your headlights, indicators and brake lights are working. You can be fined for driving with non-functioning lights, so make sure you check them on a regular basis.
Maintain your car battery
If your car feels sluggish to start it could be a sign your battery needs replacing so consider having it tested before you head off. To avoid draining your car’s battery during your journey, don’t leave your lights or any vehicle accessories on when the engine isn’t running.
Check oil and fluid levels
Make sure you check oil and fluid levels including the windscreen washer fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid and brake and clutch fluid.
Pack for safety
Loose items can become missiles in a crash so only pack what you need and ensure all items are securely stowed. It is also important to ensure any pets are secure before you drive. You can check your owner’s manual to find out the maximum weight of the car when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. If you're travelling in remote areas carrying enough water and snacks in case you break down is essential, as is letting a family member or friend know your route and expected time of arrival.
Plan your stops
If you’re sticking to major roads, plan to stop to take a break and stretch your legs every two hours for at least 15 minutes. This is also a great excuse to explore towns and natural landmarks on the way. If you’re travelling in rural or outback areas, where fuel stations or EV charging stations are few and far between, you’ll need to plan your stops carefully to ensure you have enough fuel or charge in your EV battery. Also consider water and food supplies to make it to your next destination.
Check your Roadside Assistance coverage
No matter how prepared you are, a breakdown or flat tyre can happen to anyone. If you do break down, RACQ patrols are available to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 13 1111 or using the Roadside Assistance app. If you’re going to be towing or travelling far from home, consider upgrading your roadside assistance to a higher level. It is also a good idea to have a hi-vis vest in the boot in case you are stuck on the side of a busy road.
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Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
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RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.