Spring Car Checklist: 8 Things to Check Before Your Summer Road Trip

Get your car ready for summer with these 8 essential spring maintenance checks. Make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready before the holiday season begins.

Spring is a good time to check your car and take care of any maintenance before the summer holiday season begins. A car that’s been sitting in the garage or mainly used for short daily trips may need extra attention before a long journey, even if it seems to be running normally.

Worn components or minor mechanical issues can become bigger problems when you’re driving long distances, especially if you’re planning to travel across Australia. As temperatures rise, your vehicle may face additional strain from hot weather, longer drives and heavier loads.

According to the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), checking your vehicle before departure can help identify potential problems before they disrupt your trip. However, you don’t need to wait until the last minute to prepare. A few basic maintenance checks in spring can help you identify issues early and give you enough time to arrange repairs if needed. Here’s a practical checklist of seven things to inspect before taking your car on its next summer road trip.

Eight Essential Spring Car Maintenance Checks

Before taking your car on a long drive, it’s worth checking a few key components to make sure they’re in good working condition. Some issues are easy to spot during a basic inspection, while others may need a mechanic’s attention. Here are eight things to check before the summer travel season.

1. Check Your Tyres and Tyre Pressure
Your tyres play an important role in maintaining road grip, steering control and braking performance. Tyres with insufficient tread or incorrect pressure can affect handling and increase the risk of losing control, particularly on wet roads.

Before any long trips, inspect each tyre for uneven tread wear, cracks, cuts, bulges or objects lodged in the rubber. Check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s recommended settings, as indicated on the tyre placard or in your owner’s manual. Don’t forget to inspect the spare tyre, too, and make sure it’s properly inflated.

In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth for most light vehicle tyres is 1.5mm across the required tread area. If your tyres are worn or damaged, have them assessed by a tyre professional before travelling.

2. Inspect Your Brakes
Your brakes need to be in good condition to help you stop safely, especially when driving at highway speeds or travelling through steep and winding roads. Don’t ignore unusual brake behaviour or warning lights.Listen for squealing or grinding noises when braking and pay attention to vibrations, a spongy brake pedal or any noticeable changes in stopping distance. These may indicate worn brake pads, damaged discs or problems with the braking system.

Have your brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible, particularly before a long journey.

3. Check Engine Oil and Other Fluids
Engine oil helps lubricate moving parts and prevent excessive friction, while coolant helps regulate engine temperature. Low fluid levels can affect vehicle performance and may indicate an underlying problem. For example, consistently low coolant levels could point to a leak that needs repairing. Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as pressurised coolant can cause serious burns.

Check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid levels according to your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. Top up fluids when necessary using the recommended products, and look for signs of leaks around the engine compartment or underneath your car.

4. Test Your Car Battery
A weak battery can leave you stranded, particularly during hot weather when high temperatures can put additional strain on an already ageing battery. Look for signs of corrosion around the battery terminals, a swollen battery case or difficulty starting the engine. Dim headlights and electrical accessories that aren’t working properly can also indicate a battery problem.

If you notice any of these signs, have your battery tested by a mechanic or roadside assistance provider. They can check its condition and charging performance and recommend a replacement if necessary.

5. Inspect Your Lights, Windscreen and Wipers
Good visibility is essential when driving, particularly during heavy rain, at night or on unfamiliar roads. Faulty lights can make it harder for other motorists to see your vehicle or recognise your intentions on the road. A damaged windscreen or ineffective wipers can also compromise visibility.

Before setting off, check that your headlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators are working properly. Inspect your windscreen for chips or cracks that could obstruct your view, and test your wipers to make sure they clear water without leaving streaks. Worn or damaged wiper blades should be replaced, and the windscreen washer reservoir should be topped up.

6. Test Your Air Conditioning and Cooling System
Australia’s summer temperatures can make long drives uncomfortable, so check that your air conditioning is cooling the cabin properly. If it takes longer than usual to cool the interior or only blows warm air, the system may need servicing. It’s also worth checking that your engine cooling system is in good condition, including the coolant level and visible hoses, as leaks or insufficient coolant can cause the engine to overheat.

It’s also worth checking for signs of engine cooling problems, such as coolant leaks, an unusually high temperature gauge reading or an overheating warning light.

7. Check Your Steering and Suspension
Your steering and suspension systems help keep your car stable, responsive and comfortable, particularly when driving over uneven roads or carrying heavy luggage. Look out for unusual vibrations, clunking noises, excessive bouncing or difficulty steering, as these may indicate worn suspension components or steering problems.

Have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic if you notice any of these signs before setting off on a long journey.

8. Check Your Seat Belts and Child Restraints
Before travelling, check that all seat belts fasten securely, retract properly and have no visible signs of fraying, cuts or damage. If you’re travelling with children, make sure their car seats or booster seats are appropriate for their age and size, correctly installed and securely fastened. Child restraints sold in Australia must meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754, and installation should follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s also important to check the child restraint requirements in the state or territory where you’ll be driving, as specific rules can vary. The ACCC’s car seat safety guide provides further advice on choosing and using approved child restraints.

Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary delays and make your journey more manageable. With your route and travel essentials sorted, there’s just one more thing to consider: making sure your car is ready for the demands of a long drive.

Other Things to Prepare Before Your Summer Road Trip

Getting your car ready is only part of road trip preparation. You’ll also want to plan your journey and make sure you have everything you need before setting off.

• Check Weather and Road Conditions: Check weather forecasts, road closures and traffic updates along your planned route before departure. Conditions can change quickly, particularly in regional areas, so keep an eye on local alerts throughout your journey.
• Plan Fuel and Charging Stops: Identify petrol stations or EV charging locations along your route, especially when travelling through regional or remote areas where services may be limited. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, plan alternative charging stops in case your preferred location is unavailable.
• Review Your Roadside Assistance and Insurance: Check that your roadside assistance covers the areas you’re visiting and that your car insurance is up to date. If you’re driving a rental vehicle, review its insurance and breakdown assistance arrangements.
• Secure Your Luggage: Distribute luggage evenly, place heavier items low in the boot and secure loose belongings so they can’t move around while driving. Unsecured items can become dangerous if you need to brake suddenly, and luggage shouldn’t obstruct the driver’s view.
• Plan Regular Rest Stops: Long drives can cause fatigue, which affects concentration and reaction times. Plan to stop for at least 15 minutes every two hours, especially when travelling with children who may need more frequent breaks. Share the driving with another licensed driver if possible.

A little planning can help you avoid unnecessary delays and make your journey more manageable. Once you’ve organised these details, it’s worth considering whether your car needs a final professional inspection before departure.

When to Get a Professional Car Service Before Your Road Trip

Basic maintenance checks can help you spot common issues, but some problems aren’t easy to identify without professional equipment and mechanical knowledge. Having your car inspected by a qualified mechanic before a long summer drive can help uncover potential problems and reduce the risk of an unexpected breakdown.

Pay attention to warning signs such as unusual engine noises, dashboard warning lights, fluid leaks, difficulty starting or changes in braking performance. Even if your car seems to be running normally, a professional inspection can identify worn components or developing issues that might not be obvious during a routine DIY check.

It’s best to book a service well ahead of your departure, particularly before the busy summer holiday period when repair shops may have limited availability. This gives you enough time to address any problems without rushing your preparations.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Summer Road Trip

Once your car is ready and your route is planned, don’t forget to organise parking at your destination. Finding a suitable spot ahead of time can save you from driving around looking for parking, especially during the busy summer holiday season.

With Parkhound, you can search for and book parking spaces across Australia. You can compare options based on location, price and features, including covered spaces that help protect your car from direct sunlight. You can also look for secure parking options if you’ll be leaving your vehicle for several hours or days while you’re away.