What Should You Check Before a 1,000 km Road Trip?

A 1,000 km road trip puts a lot more demand on your car than a quick trip around Blacktown.

You might spend hours on the road, travel through different conditions and have limited access to a mechanic if something goes wrong.

The last thing you want is a warning light, flat tyre or overheating engine halfway through the trip.

The good news is that most pre-trip checks are simple.

You don't need to be a mechanic to spot obvious problems. And if something doesn't look right, getting it checked before you leave is much easier than dealing with it on the road.

Here's what to check before a long drive.

Start With Your Tyres

Your tyres are one of the first things to check before any long journey.

Look at all four tyres and check for:

• Uneven tread wear
• Cuts or cracks
• Bulges
• Objects stuck in the tread
• Low tread depth

Also check the tyre pressures when the tyres are cold.

Use the pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer rather than the maximum pressure printed on the tyre.

Don't forget the spare tyre.

If you get a puncture hundreds of kilometres from home, you'll be glad you checked it.

Check Your Brakes

A long trip isn't the time to discover your brakes are nearly worn out.

Before leaving, pay attention to how the brakes feel.

Watch for:

• Squealing
• Grinding
• Vibrations
• A soft brake pedal
• Longer stopping distances
• The car pulling when braking

If you've noticed any of these signs, have the braking system inspected before the trip.

Test Your Battery

A weak battery can leave you stranded before the trip even begins.

It can also fail while you're away from home.

If your vehicle has been slow to start recently, don't ignore it.

A battery test can show whether it's still performing properly or starting to lose capacity.

It's particularly worth checking if your battery is getting older.

Check Your Engine Oil

Your engine will spend many hours running during a 1,000 km trip.

Before you leave, check the engine oil level according to your vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

If the oil is due for replacement, getting it serviced before the trip makes sense.

Also look around the engine bay and underneath the car for signs of an oil leak.

A small leak is much easier to deal with at home than on the side of the road.

Check the Coolant

Your cooling system works hard during long drives.

Check the coolant level when the engine is cold and follow your vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

Also look for signs of a leak.

You may notice:

• A sweet smell
• Coolant around the engine bay
• Fluid underneath the car
• The temperature gauge running higher than normal

If you've noticed any of these signs, have the cooling system checked before travelling.

Don't Forget the Wipers and Windscreen

Clear visibility matters on every road trip.

Check that your windscreen wipers clear water properly.

If they leave streaks or miss sections of the windscreen, replace them before you leave.

Also check for windscreen chips or cracks.

A small problem can become more noticeable during a long drive, particularly if you encounter rain or changing temperatures.

Check Every Light

It only takes a few minutes to check your lights.

Make sure these are working:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Tail lights
• Reverse lights
• Number plate lights

You'll need them during early starts, late arrivals and poor weather.

Check Your Wheel Alignment

Have you recently hit a pothole or kerb?

Does your car pull slightly to one side?

Is your steering wheel no longer centred?

These are reasons to have your wheel alignment checked before a long trip.

Poor alignment can cause uneven tyre wear and affect how the vehicle tracks on the road.

It's better to identify the problem before putting another 1,000 km on the tyres.

Pay Attention to Strange Noises

A long trip can turn a minor problem into a major inconvenience if you ignore it beforehand.

Listen for anything unusual.

That could include:

• Humming
• Knocking
• Grinding
• Squealing
• Clicking

If the noise is new, have it investigated before you leave.

Check Your Service History

Look at when your vehicle was last serviced.

If the next service is due around the time of your trip, consider booking it beforehand.

A scheduled service provides an opportunity to check the vehicle and identify maintenance items that may need attention.

It also means you aren't starting a long journey with overdue maintenance.

What About the Spare Tyre and Emergency Equipment?

If your vehicle has a spare tyre, make sure it's accessible and correctly inflated.

It's also worth knowing where your:

• Jack
• Wheel brace
• Emergency equipment

are stored.

If you have roadside assistance, make sure you know how to contact the provider before you leave.

You don't want to be searching for those details while standing beside the road.

Give Yourself Time Before You Leave

Don't do every check an hour before departure.

If you discover a worn tyre or weak battery at the last minute, you may not have enough time to deal with it.

A week or two before your trip gives you time to arrange any repairs or replacements.

That's especially useful if your vehicle needs tyres or other parts that may need to be ordered.

Questions Drivers Ask Us

Q- Should I service my car before a 1,000 km trip?

A- If your service is due soon, having it completed before the trip can be a sensible option. It also gives you an opportunity to identify other maintenance issues.

Q- Should I check tyre pressure before a long trip?

A- Yes. Check the pressures when the tyres are cold and follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended settings.

Q- How do I know if my brakes are ready for a long trip?

A- If the brakes feel normal and haven't shown any warning signs, they may be fine. If you've noticed noise, vibration or changes in braking, have them inspected first.

Q- Should I check the spare tyre?

A- Yes. A spare tyre is only useful if it's in usable condition and correctly inflated.

Q- Is a pre-trip inspection worth it?

A- If you're travelling a long distance, a vehicle inspection can help identify problems before they become an issue during your trip.

Don't Let a Preventable Problem Ruin Your Trip

A little preparation can make a big difference before driving 1,000 km.

Check your tyres, brakes, battery, fluids, lights and windscreen. Pay attention to anything that doesn't feel or sound normal.

If you're planning a long road trip from Blacktown and want your car checked before you leave, visit Goodyear Autocare Blacktown. We'll inspect the key areas of your vehicle, explain what we find in plain English and only recommend the work your car actually needs.