A road trip should be about where you're going, not wondering whether your car will make it there.

Before a long journey, spend a little time checking the basics. A quick inspection can help identify problems before you're several hours from home.

Start with your tyres

Check the pressure when the tyres are cold and compare it with the recommended pressure in your vehicle's manual or door-jamb label.

Look at the tread as well. Uneven wear can be a sign of alignment or suspension problems.

Don't forget the spare tyre if your vehicle has one.

Check your fluids

Engine oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid should all be checked before a long drive.

If your oil or coolant level is unusually low, don't simply top it up and forget about it. Frequent fluid loss can indicate an underlying problem.

Test your brakes

Pay attention to how the brakes feel.

If the pedal feels soft, the vehicle pulls when braking or you hear grinding or squealing, get the system inspected before you leave.

Don't forget the battery

A weak battery can turn a simple stop into a frustrating delay.

If you've noticed slow starting recently, it's worth having the battery and charging system tested before your trip.

Check your lights

Walk around the vehicle and check your headlights, brake lights, indicators and hazard lights.

Good visibility isn't just important at night. Your lights help other drivers understand what you're doing.

Give yourself time

The worst time to discover a problem is when you're already packed, running late and halfway out of town.

“Five minutes checking your car before a trip can save hours dealing with a breakdown during one.”

Ready to hit the road?

If you're planning a long journey, bring your car in for a pre-trip inspection. We'll check the key systems and let you know if anything needs attention.