With Christmas just around the corner, many people are gearing up for long-distance drives to visit family, explore new holiday spots, or simply make the most of the summer break. Before you hit the highway, it’s important to make sure your car is ready for the extra kilometres and warmer weather. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later, and help keep you and your family safe on the road.

1 - Start With a Basic Safety Check
The first step is giving your vehicle a thorough once-over. Check that your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, and horn are all working properly. If anything seems weak or unreliable, now’s the time to replace it. Visibility and communication are essential on long drives, especially when you’re travelling early in the morning or at night.

2 - Check Your Tyres

Tyres are one of the most important components of your car. Make sure they’re inflated to the correct pressure, have plenty of tread, and show no signs of damage or uneven wear. If you’re heading through hot regional areas, tyre pressure is even more important, as heat can increase pressure quickly and put extra strain on ageing tyres. Don’t forget to check your spare and ensure you have the tools to change a tyre roadside if needed.

3 - Keep Fluids Topped Up

Before setting off, check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windscreen washer reservoir. If your coolant is looking discoloured or your oil hasn’t been changed in a while, a pre-trip service is well worth booking in.

4 - Test Your Battery

Car batteries can struggle in extreme heat, and long drives with plenty of stops and starts (think road-trip snacks and fuel stops) can highlight weak battery performance. If your car is slow to start or the battery is more than a few years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested before you go.

5 - Plan for the Drive

Even a well-maintained car can’t prevent every unexpected situation, so make sure you’re equipped. Pack an emergency kit with a torch, basic tools, jumper leads, a first-aid kit, and plenty of water. If you’re travelling through rural or regional roads, make sure you have a charged phone, a backup charger, and offline maps just in case reception drops out.

6 - Book a Pre-Trip Inspection

The lead-up to Christmas can get busy, and it’s easy to forget about car maintenance until the last minute. Book an inspection with Pearson Automotive to give you peace of mind before you take off. We’ll check over all key components, make sure everything is running smoothly, and let you know if anything needs attention before you start clocking up the kilometres.

A little preparation goes a long way, especially when it comes to long-distance holiday travel. If you’d like help getting your car road-trip ready, book in with our team before the Christmas rush begins.

Safety and reliability is enhanced when you have your car serviced regularly.

To help keep your car in its best possible condition, chat to our Milton mechanics today.