No matter whether you’re doing a day trip to the National Park or venturing further within your state, there are a few things to think through before setting off on your adventure.
1. Car maintenance
If you’re travelling more than two hours in one direction, consider checking that your vehicle is safe and in full working condition before starting your trip. This includes:
- Ensuring tyres are inflated properly and have enough tread for the journey
- Cleaning your windscreen and checking that the wipers are in working order
- Ensuring you have enough oil, fuel, water and radiator coolant
- Checking your spare tyre is in good condition
- Making sure all indicators are working
- Ensuring your car is serviced regularly
2. Road trip supplies
Wondering what to bring with you on your drive? Consider packing:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen to shield you from the glare
- Important documents like your driver licence and car insurance details
- A car-compatible charger for your tech
- A selection of podcasts and playlists to keep you entertained
- A comfy pillow to relax on (when it’s not your turn to drive)
- A range of snacks
- A refillable water bottle to keep you - and potentially your car - hydrated
- A good navigation app or Sat Nav to get you to your destination
- A thermos for warm drinks
- An empty tote bag for impromptu roadside purchases
For longer road trips, you might also want to bring jumper cables, coolant for your radiator and oil for your car engine, in case of an emergency. Also, try not to over-pack your car and block the view from any of the windows.
3. Roadside assistance
Before setting out on your journey, having an up-to-date roadside assistance policy can offer extra peace of mind. Depending on your coverage, this can help with everything from towing to flat batteries, from getting locked out to empty fuel tanks.
4. Take regular breaks
Consider sharing driving responsibilities with someone else in order to avoid getting tired whilst driving. If you’re the only driver on your trip, it’s advisable to take regular breaks or naps at rest areas as needed. This can help you stay well rested and make your drive a little safer. For more information, visit Transport of NSW – Centre for Road Safety.
5. Make sure you’re properly insured
Accidents can happen, so it is worth checking that your vehicle is covered for whoever is driving. This not only applies to your personal vehicle but hire cars too.
