Road trip checklist: car safety checks for a long drive

Get your car serviced before a long road trip

If your vehicle is due or nearly due for its scheduled service, consider booking it in before your road trip rather than waiting until you return. You should also consider an inspection if you've noticed warning lights, unusual noises, braking problems, starting difficulties or changes in the way the car drives.

A qualified mechanic can check important components such as the brakes, tyres, suspension, battery and fluid levels, and identify potential problems before those issues leave you stranded away from home.

Avoid scheduling major servicing or repairs for the day before departure. Allowing extra time means any unexpected issues can be addressed without disrupting your trip.

Find an RACV Accredited Auto Care Centre near you and book your vehicle in for a service before heading off on your road trip.

More: Car repairs and maintenance you shouldn't delay

Check your tyres and tyre pressure

Your tyres are the only parts of your car in contact with the road, so checking their condition should be near the top of your pre-road trip checklist. Well-maintained tyres can also save you money by improving fuel efficiency.

Inspect each tyre for cuts, cracks, bulges, uneven wear or objects embedded in the tread. Make sure there is sufficient tread depth and check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. You should also get your vehicle's wheels aligned regularly, as misaligned wheels can cause tyres to wear out faster and increase the risk of vibration and skidding.

Before heading out on a road trip, inflate your tyres to their recommended pressure. You can find this information in your car’s manual and often on the driver’s side door, in the glovebox or inside the fuel cap. Recommended pressures may differ when the car is carrying a full load.

If your vehicle has a spare tyre, check its pressure and condition, too, and make sure the jack and wheel-changing equipment are in the car.

More: The best tyres for electric cars (and what makes EV tyres different)

RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 to help you replace a punctured or damaged tyre.

Complete DIY car maintenance jobs before setting off

Complete any simple DIY car maintenance jobs before setting off on your road trip, especially if it has been a while since your last car service. These may include:

• checking your tyre pressure
• replacing worn-out windscreen wiper inserts
• testing all the lights on your vehicle, including headlights, brake lights, tail lights, and indicators
• topping up fluid levels like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.

Plan your fuel stops or EV charging

Don't assume you'll always find a petrol station or EV charger exactly when you need one.

For petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, identify fuel stops along longer or more remote stretches of your route. Filling up before entering an area with limited services can reduce the risk of running low.

If you're preparing an EV for a road trip, start with sufficient charge and plan charging stops based on the vehicle's expected real-world range rather than relying solely on its maximum advertised range.

Allow a buffer for factors that can increase energy consumption, including highway speeds, hills, hot or cold weather, climate control, and a heavily loaded vehicle. Identify backup chargers along the route in case your preferred location is in use or unavailable.

Compare nearby fuel prices or find the nearest Chargefox EV charger using the RACV App.

More: How to find the cheapest fuel near you in Melbourne and Victoria

Pack your car safely

How you pack your car matters, particularly when you're carrying luggage for a family holiday.

Keep heavy items low and secure so they can't move suddenly under braking or during a collision. Avoid stacking loose luggage above the height of the rear seats unless it is properly restrained, as unsecured objects can become dangerous in a crash.

Don't exceed your vehicle's maximum permitted load. Passengers, luggage, accessories, and roof racks all contribute to the vehicle's overall weight.

Make sure luggage doesn't obstruct the driver's view or prevent easy access to items you might need during the journey.

You should always keep a car safety kit in your vehicle so you have essential items on hand in an emergency. This kit should include:

• a phone charger
• bottled water
• non-perishable food
• owner’s manual
• torch with spare batteries
• jumper leads
• hi-vis vest
• reflective triangle
• picnic rug or blanket
• spare wheel and tyre
• fire extinguisher
• first aid kit
• emergency roadside assistance details
• small amount of cash.

Plan regular breaks to reduce driver fatigue

Vehicle preparation is only half of the road trip safety equation. The driver needs to be ready too.

Get a good night's sleep before departure and avoid beginning a long drive at a time when you’d normally be asleep. As a general guide, plan a rest stop of at least 15 minutes every two hours when driving long distances, and share the driving with another licensed driver wherever possible.

Don't wait for a scheduled break if you begin to feel tired sooner. Warning signs of fatigue can include frequent yawning, heavy eyes, difficulty concentrating, drifting within your lane or struggling to remember the past few kilometres.

If you feel tired, don't try to push through to your destination. Find somewhere safe to stop and rest.

Check your route, weather and road conditions

Check your route before you leave and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. If you're travelling through regional or remote Australia, identify where you can refuel or recharge, buy food and water and access assistance. Mobile reception can also be limited, so consider downloading maps for offline use and tell someone where you're going and when you expect to arrive.

Potholes can be prevalent on Australian roads. Motorists need to drive carefully on roads with rough surfaces and keep an eye out for potholes, especially in regional areas. In RACV's 2026 My Country Road survey, potholes and poor road conditions were identified as the biggest safety issue on regional roads across the state.

Weather conditions can change quickly on Australian roads, particularly during bushfire, flood, storm and snow seasons. Check forecasts, emergency warnings and road closures before departure and during the trip where appropriate. Make sure you check the fire danger rating for the day and areas you're travelling to and through, and have a plan ready if you need to evacuate.

If you're travelling through alpine areas in winter, check whether snow chains are required and make sure you know how to fit them before you arrive.

Rain, fog, snow and ice can also significantly impact visibility and traction on the road. Adjust your driving speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to help prevent accidents.

More: What causes potholes? How to avoid car damage

Check your roadside assistance before leaving

Even a well-maintained vehicle can break down, get a flat tyre or develop an unexpected fault.

Before you leave, check that your details are up to date so any assistance callouts can be handled smoothly and quickly. It's also useful to know how you'll identify your location if you need to request help, particularly in an unfamiliar area.

RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance operates across metropolitan and regional Victoria and interstate, with 24/7 support Australia wide. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are included.

Observe the rules around mobile devices in the car

Check you are up to date with Victoria's road rules around portable devices. L and P platers are subject to more restrictions than drivers with a full licence, but all drivers must not text, scroll, play games or rest a device on any part of the body when they're driving.

A fully charged mobile phone is a vital safety tool if you get lost or your car breaks down. Before heading off for the day, check that your phone and any other communication devices are charged, and pack charging cables somewhere easily accessible.

Organise and clean your car inside and out

A neat and organised interior can help prevent driver distractions, keep the kids comfortable, and help you focus on driving safely.

If you're heading away on a long trip, take the time to properly organise your car. Storage boxes can be used to house loose items and children's toys in the boot. This will help prevent things flying around in the car and posing a risk to the driver and passengers. If travelling with a pet, make sure they're secure and comfortable.

Check your vehicle for any spiders or insects that may have taken up residence in your car. This is common after the car has been parked for a prolonged period under a tree or in the garage.

More: Driving with dogs: What you need to know and what cars are best