Be summer road trip ready with Sunshine Toyota's pre-holiday checklist!

With summer holidays just around the corner it’s important to make sure your car isn’t going to let you down when you up the beach or in another state.  Follow our quick and easy Pre-holiday checks to ensure your well-earned trip isn’t cut short. 

1.    Fluid Levels

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s an easy one to forget in all the pre-holiday excitement. It’s not just you who needs to keep their fluids topped up in hot summer weather, your car also needs the right levels of oil, water, and coolant to keep it running at its best. When checking your levels, make sure the engine has cooled and the car is positioned flat so your reading isn’t affected by an uneven surface.

2.    Wiper blades

Driving through a Queensland thunderstorm is not the best place to find out your car’s wipers are leaving smeary marks on the windscreen, so check in advance that they’re not frayed or brittle and cracking.

3.    Lights

From brake bulbs to full beams, check that all your lights are working before setting off. If you are planning on traveling somewhere remote, it wouldn’t hurt to carry some extra bulbs with you.

4.    Check your insurance and breakdown cover

If you’re road-tripping this summer, it’s a good idea to make sure your existing insurer supplies the cover you need, especially if you’re planning to an off-road journey. It is also worth organising breakdown assistance, just encase it’s not just a flat tyre you have to repair. 

5.    Wheels and tyres

Tyre upkeep should be a priority for all drivers, and pre-holiday maintenance is no exception. Minimum legal tread depth is 1.5mm. Use the ‘20p check’ to get a better idea of your tread depth and if in doubt book in to see one of your service technicians! Don’t forget to check your tyre pressures and give them a visual once-over for any cracks and bulges before your trip.

6.    Flat Tyre Essentials

The potential for a flat increases on a long journey, which means for a quick repair you’re going to have to remember your car jack, locking wheel nut key, and of course your spare tyre. It’s best to always store them safely in the boot just encase! 

If you’re ever in doubt, book in to see one of our highly qualified Toyota technicians before you hit the road! Once you’ve completed your checks and carried out all the required maintenance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your car is in tip-top condition, ready take you on a hassle-free and memorable holiday.