Check your vehicle

As the maxim goes, “prevention is better than cure”, so do a basic check of your car before heading off.

Make sure your oil and water levels are right and give your tyres a once-over. Look for foreign objects in the tyre rubber, make sure the treads are in good condition and the air pressure is correct. Don't forget to check the spare as well, you never know if you might need it.

Flat batteries are common reason for RACQ Roadside Assistance callouts.

To avoid draining your car’s battery don’t leave your lights or any vehicle accessories on when the engine is off.

If your car feels sluggish to start it could be a sign your battery needs replacing. If you need a battery on the road, delivery and installation are included in your Roadside Assistance cover. 

If you don’t feel confident checking the car yourself, book it in with a mechanic or RACQ for an inspection. If a service date is nearing, get that done before your trip and carry out any necessary repairs before hitting the road.

It is also recommended you check your window wiper blades are in good condition, your windscreen cleaning fluid is topped up and all your lights are working.

Check your windscreen for chips and cracks. RACQ Autoglass can repair any damage before you hit the road to ensure it doesn’t worsen on your trip.

Check your Roadside Assistance coverage

No matter how prepared you are, a breakdown or flat tyre can happen to anyone.

If you do break down, RACQ patrols are available to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 13 1111 or using the Roadside Assistance app.

Check your Roadside Assistance is up-to-date and, if you’re travelling long distances or with a caravan, consider upgrading to ensure you’re covered no matter how far away from home you are. Compare our roadside options here.

Check your insurance

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance comes with your vehicle registration and provides protection to the at-fault driver against any compensation claims from individuals who are injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident. You can choose your preferred CTP insurer and make the switch at any time.

RACQ offers a range of additional car insurance options so you can drive with confidence knowing your are fully covered if involved in an accident.

Pack for safety

Overpacking for a trip is something that befalls even the most experienced travellers. Loose items can become missiles in a crash so only pack what you need and ensure all items are securely stowed.

Read your owner’s manual to find out the maximum weight of the car when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. Visit a weighbridge if you’re concerned your vehicle may be overweight when fully packed.

If you are towing, then have the laden van and vehicle combination weighed to ensure you are not exceeding the weight limits. 

Check road conditions

Before heading off, check road conditions for closures and traffic updates using the RACQ map. It will help you avoid any unnecessary delays which can be frustrating and have the potential to ruin your trip. And remember: If it’s flooded, forget it.

Plan your stops

If you’re sticking to major roads, plan to stop to take a break and stretch your legs every two hours – this is also a great excuse to explore towns, museums and natural landmarks on the way. Visitor Information Centres are a great source of local knowledge to make the most of your pit-stop in town.

If you’re travelling in rural areas or outback where fuel stations are few and far between, you’ll need to plan your stops carefully to ensure you have enough fuel, water and food to make it to your next destination.

Download the Fuel Map app for a crowd-sourced database of petrol stations across Australia and, if you’re travelling in Queensland, find the cheapest petrol with the RACQ’s Fair Fuel app.

If driving an electric car, check where you can recharge your vehicle on the route.

Eco-drive your dollar further

With fuel prices across Queensland reaching record high levels, it is more important than ever to use driving strategies which can reduce its use. RACQ research found drivers could save up to $400 per year, based on a fuel price of $2 per litre, if they adopted `eco-driving' strategies.

Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance and the Life and Income Protection Insurance suite of products) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the PDS and any applicable Supplementary PDS  before making a purchase decision on the product.  You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.