A little preparation goes a long way
Road trips are all about adventure—but a little preparation can make all the difference.
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road. Whether you’re heading down south for a weekend getaway, exploring regional Western Australia, or embarking on a long-awaited holiday, travelling by car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
But even the best road trips can hit an unexpected speed bump. A flat tyre, a flat battery, running out of fuel or a minor breakdown can quickly turn excitement into frustration. The good news? A little planning before you leave can help keep your journey safe, stress-free and enjoyable.
So before you pack the snacks, cue the playlist and hit the road, here are a few simple tips to help you stay road-trip ready—because we’d much rather you be saying “Go, go, go!” than “No, no, no!“.
Give your car a quick health check
Before every road trip, it’s worth spending five or ten minutes giving your vehicle a quick health check. It might seem like a small task, but it can save you significant time, money and inconvenience later.
Before you leave, check:
- Tyre pressures (including your spare tyre)
- fuel level
- engine oil
- coolant
- windscreen washer fluid
- lights and indicators
- windscreen wipers
- battery condition, especially if it’s a few years old
If your car is due for a service, it’s worth booking it in before heading off on a longer trip. Prevention is always better than a roadside repair.
Pack a roadside emergency kit
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but if something does go wrong, you’ll be glad you packed it.
A well-stocked emergency kit should include:
- Spare tyre (properly inflated)
- jack and wheel brace
- jumper leads or a portable jump starter
- torch with spare batteries
- high-visibility vest
- warning triangle or hazard markers
- first aid kit
- basic tool kit
- tyre pressure gauge
- phone charger or power bank
- drinking water
- non-perishable snacks
- blanket, especially during the cooler months
If you’re travelling through remote areas, consider carrying extra water, a paper map, and letting a family member or friend know your travel plans and expected arrival time.
Know who to call
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress during a breakdown is knowing who to contact before you actually need them.
Before setting off, ask yourself:
- Am I covered by roadside assistance?
- Is my membership current?
- do I know what services are included?
If you’re travelling on major freeways or motorways and your vehicle breaks down, organisations such as Main Roads may also be able to assist by helping manage traffic or arranging for your vehicle to be moved to a safer location. If you ever feel you’re in immediate danger, always call 000 first.
A few minutes spent checking your cover before your trip could save you hours of waiting later.
Keep important information handy
Imagine trying to find your insurance policy number while standing on the side of the road…
Instead, keep all your important information together in your glovebox (or another safe place in your vehicle). Download our Vehicle Information Template, fill in your details, and keep it with your important documents so everything is easy to find when you need it.
Include:
- Vehicle registration details
- insurance information
- roadside assistance membership details
- emergency contact numbers
- your regular mechanic’s phone number
- any important medical information if required
Having everything in one place can make an already stressful situation much easier to manage—especially if someone else needs to assist you.
Flat tyre? Don't panic
A flat or blown tyre can happen to anyone.
If it does:
- Stay calm
- ease off the accelerator
- avoid braking suddenly
- pull over somewhere safe, away from moving traffic
- turn on your hazard lights
If you’re confident changing the tyre and it’s safe to do so, replace it with your spare. If not, stay in a safe location and contact your roadside assistance provider.
Remember, no appointment or destination is worth risking your safety.
Don't let your fuel gauge catch you out
We’ve all been tempted to squeeze “just a few more kilometres” out of the fuel tank.
Sometimes it works…
Sometimes it doesn’t.
If you’re travelling outside the city, try not to let your fuel drop below a quarter of a tank. Regional service stations can be further apart than expected, and some may have limited trading hours.
Planning your fuel stops before you leave is a simple way to avoid an unnecessary headache.
Keep your phone ready too
Your mobile phone can be one of your best travel companions.
Before you leave:
- Fully charge your phone
- pack a charging cable and car charger
- bring a portable power bank
- download offline maps in case you lose reception
- save important phone numbers, including roadside assistance, your insurer and emergency contacts.
If you’re heading into remote areas, remember that mobile coverage may be limited, so don’t rely on reception being available everywhere.
Having these essentials ready can make it much easier to get help quickly if your plans change unexpectedly.
Take breaks and enjoy the journey
Road trips are meant to be enjoyed—not rushed.
Plan regular breaks, stretch your legs, stay hydrated and swap drivers if possible. Driving while tired can affect your concentration and reaction times, so listening to your body is just as important as checking your vehicle.
Sometimes the best part of the trip isn’t the destination—it’s everything you discover along the way.
The bottom line
No one plans for a flat tyre, a dead battery or running out of fuel—but being prepared means these unexpected situations don’t have to ruin your trip.
Before your next road trip, take a few extra minutes to check your vehicle, pack an emergency kit, make sure your roadside assistance is up to date, and keep your important information close by.
A little preparation today can save a lot of stress tomorrow.
So pack the snacks, turn up your favourite playlist and enjoy the open road.
Planning a longer drive?
Whether you're preparing for a road trip, returning to driving after illness or injury, or simply wanting to feel more confident behind the wheel, our team is here to help.
