Top tips to check your car before hitting the road
Chief Executive Assistance Glenn Toms said the Club’s research found only 34.8% of motorists took their car to a mechanic for a check-up or service before a road trip, but almost 70% said they do check tyre pressure before heading away.
Mr Toms said Queenslanders should take proactive measures to maintain their vehicles to help stay safe on the road.
“Basic vehicle maintenance, including checking tyre pressure and condition, the spare tyre, and oil and water levels, can go a long way in preventing breakdowns,” he said.
“It’s also important to make sure your wiper blades are in good condition, your windscreen washer fluid is topped up and all your lights are working.
“If you’re travelling with a trailer or caravan apply the same checks, make sure your total load is not overweight and the bearings are well-maintained.”
In 2023, RACQ patrols came to the aid of more than 738,950 motorists. Most of these (267,524) were for battery-related issues, while 70,456 motorists had a flat tyre.
While preparation is key, breakdowns can still happen at any time. New RACQ research has revealed 44% of Queenslanders aged 18-34 don’t know how to change a tyre.
Mr Toms also said it was important drivers stayed focused on the task of getting to their destination safely when taking a road trip.
“The State’s road toll is tracking shockingly high again this year, as at midnight on 24 March, 65 people have been killed on Queensland roads compared to 50 this time last year,” he said.
“When we look at what’s causing these crashes, it is still the fatal five – speeding, drink and drug driving, driving fatigued, not wearing a seatbelt and being distracted.
“When you’re behind the wheel, make safety the priority – stick to the road rules, keep alert and remember to stop every two hours for at least 15 minutes, and consider alternating drivers.”
RACQ patrols are available to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 13 1111 or using the Roadside Assistance app.
To make sure you're covered before hitting the road, click here.
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
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 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.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies 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 disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
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.