There’s nothing quite like a road trip. Whether you’re heading to the coast for a weekend escape, exploring the outback, visiting family interstate, or discovering hidden regional towns, a little preparation can make all the difference.
Planning ahead not only makes your trip more enjoyable, but also helps reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns and delays. Even with the best preparation, however, things can still go wrong. That’s why many drivers choose to keep Road Angels’ on-demand roadside assistance as a backup, giving them access to help when they need it, without committing to an annual membership.
Here are our top road trip planning tips before you hit the road.
1. Give Your Vehicle a Pre-Trip Health Check
Before setting off, spend a few minutes checking that your vehicle is road-trip ready. A simple inspection can help prevent many common roadside problems.
Check the following:
- Tyre pressure (including your spare tyre)
- Engine oil and coolant levels
- Windscreen washer fluid
- Battery condition
- Lights and indicators
- Wiper blades
- Fuel level
If your vehicle hasn’t been serviced recently, it’s worth booking one before a long journey.
2. Plan Your Route (But Stay Flexible)
While spontaneous detours are part of the fun, having a planned route helps you estimate travel times, locate fuel stations, and identify rest stops.
Before leaving:
- Open Google Maps on your mobile and familiarise yourself with the journey.
- Check for road closures or traffic delays.
- Plan regular breaks every two hours to stay alert.
- Research fuel availability in remote areas.
- Grab a physical map if there’s one available. You never know when your 4G/5G mobile connection may drop out.
A little planning goes a long way towards a smoother trip.
3. Never Let Your Fuel Tank Run Too Low
Running out of fuel is one of the easiest roadside problems to avoid.
As a general rule, refill your tank once it reaches around half full—especially when travelling through regional or rural Australia where petrol stations can be hundreds of kilometres apart.
4. Pack a Road Trip Essentials Kit
Having the right supplies on hand makes any journey more comfortable and can be invaluable if you experience a breakdown.
Consider packing:
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Phone charger or power bank
- First aid kit
- Torch
- Jumper leads
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Basic toolkit
- Emergency blanket
These simple items can make an unexpected stop much easier to manage.
5. Create the Perfect Road Trip Playlist
Long drives are always more enjoyable with great music or podcasts.
Download your playlists before leaving so you’re not relying on mobile coverage and let your passengers handle the entertainment so the driver can stay focused on the road.
6. Drive Safely and Follow Local Road Rules
Road conditions and speed limits can change quickly between states and regional areas.
Remember to:
- Obey posted speed limits.
- Watch for wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Take regular rest breaks.
- Never drive while tired.
- Adjust your speed during wet weather.
Arriving safely is always more important than arriving quickly.
7. Have a Backup Plan for Breakdowns
Even well-maintained vehicles can suffer flat tyres, battery failures, lost keys, or unexpected mechanical issues.
Instead of purchasing an annual roadside assistance membership that you may rarely use, many people prefer the flexibility of Road Angels On-Demand Roadside Assistance. If something goes wrong, you can simply request assistance when you need it, making it a convenient option for occasional drivers, holiday travellers, and families planning a road trip.
Knowing help is available can provide valuable peace of mind, especially when travelling long distances.
Ready for Your Next Road Trip?
The best road trips are about creating memories, not dealing with unexpected vehicle problems. Safe travels, and enjoy the open road.