Pre-Holiday Road Trip and Towing Check on the Gold Coast: What to Look At Before You Leave

Every December, a lot of Gold Coast families load up the car, hitch the caravan, camper or boat trailer and head off: down the Pacific Motorway to Byron, up to the Sunshine Coast, or out west past the range. And every December, a lot of those trips get cut short on the side of the road by problems that could have been found in the driveway.

A long run in summer heat, with a full load and maybe a couple of tonnes on the towbar, is about the hardest work most family cars ever do. Here's what's worth checking before you leave Molendinar, Nerang, Helensvale or wherever you're starting from, and what's better left to a workshop.

Why a holiday trip is harder on your car than daily driving

Most Gold Coast driving is short trips: school runs, the commute down the M1, a quick trip to Harbour Town. A holiday drive is the opposite. It means hours of steady load, high engine temperatures, a heavier car, and often towing on top of that. Components that cope fine around town (a tired radiator cap, a weeping hose, a battery on its last legs, brake fluid that's due for a change) are the ones that tend to give out when they're pushed for hours.

A pre-trip check isn't about finding something wrong. It's about knowing the car is ready for the job you're about to ask it to do.

Tyres: the car and the trailer

• Tread and condition. Look for even wear across the tread, and check the sidewalls for cracks, bulges or cuts. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
• Pressures. Check them cold, before you drive. Many vehicles list a different, higher pressure for a full load or for towing on the tyre placard (usually inside the driver's door or in the fuel flap). Use that figure, not the everyday one.
• The spare. It's easy to forget until you need it. Make sure it's inflated and in good condition, and that the jack and wheel brace are in the car.
• Trailer and caravan tyres. These often sit for months and can look fine while perishing from age. Check their condition, pressures and wheel bearings, and make sure the trailer has a usable spare too.

Brakes and brake fluid

Extra weight means your brakes do more work, especially on the long descents coming back down from the hinterland or the range. Have the pads and discs measured, and check that the brake fluid isn't overdue. Old fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can make the brakes less effective when they get hot.

If your trailer or caravan has its own brakes, check they're working and properly adjusted, and that the brake controller in the car (if you have one) is set up for the load you're actually carrying.

Cooling system and engine oil

Overheating is one of the most common reasons for breakdowns on summer trips, and towing makes it more likely. Before you go:

• Check the coolant level (only when the engine is cold) and look for leaks, crusty residue around hoses, or a coolant that looks dirty.
• Have the hoses, radiator cap and fan checked if you're not sure of their age or condition.
• Check the engine oil level and when it was last changed. If a service is due within the next few thousand kilometres, it usually makes sense to do it before the trip rather than after.

If you'll be towing regularly, check your owner's manual. Many manufacturers class towing as "severe" or "heavy duty" use, which can mean shorter service intervals.

Towing gear and weights

• Know your limits. Your vehicle's towing capacity and maximum towball download are set by the manufacturer and are in the owner's manual or on the compliance and towbar plates. Your trailer or caravan has its own rated weights. Don't guess, and remember that a loaded van usually weighs a lot more than its empty (tare) weight.
• Towbar and coupling. Check the towbar, tongue and pin for wear, cracks or rust. Make sure the coupling locks properly and that the safety chains are in good condition, correctly attached and not dragging.
• Electrics. Plug in the trailer and test the tail lights, brake lights and indicators with someone standing behind. Corroded plugs are a common culprit.
• Load it properly. Heavy items go low and over the axle, everything is tied down, and nothing heavy sits loose in the car's cabin.

If you're unsure about the weights or the rules for your setup, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has towing information on its website, and we're happy to look over your setup when the car is in.

Battery, lights, wipers and aircon

• Battery. Summer heat is hard on batteries. If yours is getting on in age or has been slow to crank, have it tested before you leave. Our battery guide covers the warning signs.
• Lights. Walk around the car and trailer and check every light.
• Wipers and washer fluid. Summer storms roll in fast in South East Queensland. Make sure the blades clear the glass cleanly and the washer bottle is full.
• Air conditioning. A long drive with a car full of kids and no aircon isn't anyone's idea of a holiday. If it's not as cold as it used to be, see our air conditioning guide.

When to book a pre-trip check

Give yourself a buffer. If a check finds worn brakes, a tired hose or a tyre that needs replacing, you want time to get parts and fix it properly, not a rushed job the day before you leave. Booking a week or two out is ideal, and the lead-up to Christmas fills up quickly at most Gold Coast workshops.

If your logbook service is close to due, combining it with a pre-trip check is usually the simplest option. You get everything done in one visit, and your service history stays up to date.

FAQ

How long before a road trip should I get my car checked? Ideally one to two weeks before. That leaves time to order parts and fix anything that turns up without rushing.

Do I need a service before a long trip if it isn't due yet? Not always. A pre-trip check looks at the things that matter for a long drive, like tyres, brakes, fluids, cooling and the battery. If your service is due soon anyway, it often makes sense to bring it forward.

Can you check my caravan or trailer too? We can check the towing side of things, such as the towbar, coupling, safety chains, trailer lights, tyres and brakes. Call us to talk through your setup when you book.

How much does a pre-trip check cost? It depends on the vehicle and what you want looked at. Call us for a quote, and we'll always quote any repairs before we start.

What's the most common problem you find before holidays? Usually the simple stuff: worn or under-inflated tyres, trailer lights that don't work, and fluids that are low or overdue. That's exactly why it's worth checking before you leave.

Book your pre-trip check with Driven Autocare

Driven Autocare is a Gold Coast mechanic in Molendinar, a short drive from Ashmore, Southport, Nerang, Arundel, Parkwood, Helensvale, Carrara and Coomera. We'll go over your car and towing setup, tell you plainly what needs doing and what can wait, and quote before we fit anything.

Book a pre-trip check online, see all our services, or call (07) 5626 0055. We're open Monday to Friday, 6am to 5pm.