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Essential road trip vehicle checklist

By Bunnings magazine /

SUV ready for adventure on scenic highway ]
Follow our essential road trip auto checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready for any journey, whether you're planning a quick getaway or extended adventure.

Summer is the season of long drives. From visiting far-flung rellies to going on a weekend escape or taking a camping trip, many of us eagerly anticipate hitting the open road, seeking adventure and new experiences. Before you embark on your journey – whether it’s a day trip or week-long excursion – use our road trip vehicle checklist to make sure your vehicle is in tiptop shape and that you have all the equipment you need to keep your show on the road!

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) when working with vehicles and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Your essential vehicle checklist before your road trip

Begin your preparations by performing some essential checks. Your road trip vehicle checklist should include:

  • Tyres: Start with the tyres by inspecting for proper inflation and tread depth. Underinflated or worn tyres can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and compromised safety. It’s wise to carry a portable air compressor or a gauge to keep your tyres in optimal condition.
  • Lights: Check your lights, including headlights, tail lights and indicators. Visibility and safety are paramount, especially when driving at dusk, dawn and at night. If your headlights are looking cloudy, shine them up with a headlight restoration kit.
  • Oil levels and fluids: A quick check can prevent engine troubles down the road. Add an oil funnel to your kit so you can easily top up your engine oil if needed.
  • Windscreen washer: Ensure your washer fluid reservoir is full.
  • Boot: To keep your boot sorted and functional, use trunk organisers to store your emergency kit, jumper leads and other essentials, ensuring everything is within easy reach.

car parked at scenic spot with open boot displaying vehicle checklist items

Road trip auto checklist: tools and equipment

Once your vehicle is trip-ready, you’ll need to equip yourself with the right on-road tools to handle any unexpected situations. Tick these items off your vehicle checklist before your road trip:

  • Jack: A sturdy and reliable jack is a must-have for when you need to lift your vehicle for tyre changes.
  • Jumper leads: You never know when you might need them, so it’s good to keep them handy. Alternatively, a combined jump starter and power bank not only jump-starts your car, but also provides a portable power source for your devices.
  • Torch: A quality torch is essential for night-time emergencies, ensuring you can see what you’re doing when dealing with roadside repairs.
  • Diagnostic scanning tool: Frequent road trippers might consider a diagnostic scanning tool, a handy gadget that can identify potential issues with your vehicle, helping you troubleshoot problems before they escalate.

Must-haves for your road trip vehicle checklist

There are items you need to stay safe and self-reliant on the road, plus extras to keep you entertained as you travel. We recommend completing your road trip auto checklist with:

  • First-aid kit: This is crucial for any unexpected mishaps and is non-negotiable if you are travelling with children.
  • Things for the kids: Think about including seat-back protectors (also called kick mats) and a portable DVD player.
  • Add extra comfort: Look into upgrading the front seat covers and adding non-slip floor mats, plus a cargo boot liner for damage-free gear storage.
  • Tune in: For music while you roam, consider Bluetooth connectivity for tunes, along with a dash-device mount for your smartphone. This set-up lets you enjoy your favourite playlists and stay connected without compromising safety.
  • Pets: Pets coming along? Check out the range of car seats, boosters, seatbelts and even hammocks on offer.

Post-road trip vehicle care

After your road adventure, it’s time to give your vehicle a bit of post-trip care. A thorough wash and detailing can help preserve your car’s exterior and interior, and maintain its resale value. But don’t wait until your ride is caked in mud or you can’t see out of the windows to give it a once-over. Regular cleaning removes dirt, grime and salt, which can lead to corrosion over time. Investing in quality car-cleaning products will not only keep your vehicle looking good, but also protect it from the elements. 

cleaning car exterior with sponge and soap after journey completion

Your car’s clean but what about where it’s stored?

Our step-by-step guide to cleaning out your garage will have it decluttered in no time!

 

Photo credit: Adobe Stock, Alamy Stock

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.