Summer Road Trip Ready: Essential Vehicle Checks Before You Hit the Highway
Summer in Aotearoa means road trips. Whether you’re heading to Northland’s beaches, cruising down SH1 to the South Island, or hooking up the boat for a weekend at the lake, the Kiwi summer holiday tradition starts with a long drive. Before you fill the chilly bin and load the kids into the car, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is truly road-trip ready.
A few simple checks can prevent breakdowns, reduce stress, and keep your whānau safe on the busiest roads of the year. Here’s your essential guide to preparing your car for a long summer journey.
1. Check Your Tyres (Including the Spare!)
Tyres are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, so they matter.
What to do:
- Ensure tread depth is at least 1.5mm (the legal minimum).
- Look for cuts, bulges or uneven wear.
- Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure (found inside your car door frame).
- Don’t forget to check the spare tyre! Nothing ruins a holiday faster than discovering it’s flat.
Why it matters:
Hot roads, heavy loads, and long travel distances increase the risk of tyre blowouts.
2. Top Up Fluids
Your car relies on multiple fluids to run smoothly, especially in summer heat.
Check:
- Engine oil (crucial for engine health)
- Coolant (prevents overheating on slow-moving holiday highways)
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Windscreen washer fluid (summer bugs can obscure vision quickly)
If you’re not confident, ask a mechanic to check everything before you leave.
3. Make Sure Brakes and Suspension Are in Good Shape
Brakes must respond quickly and smoothly — especially when towing or driving over steep terrain.
Signs you need a check:
- Squeaking, grinding, or vibration when braking
- Car pulling to one side
- Excessive bouncing over bumps
Suspension issues will make long trips uncomfortable and can be dangerous at full load.
4. Test All Lights and Indicators
With early-morning starts and late-night returns, you need full visibility.
Check:
- Low beams and high beams
- Indicators and brake lights
- Trailer lights (if towing a boat or caravan)
Replace bulbs before you leave. It’s cheaper and easier than dealing with a police stop or WOF fail later.
5. Prepare for NZ Heat: Cooling System Check
Nothing derails a summer road trip like overheating.
Ensure:
- Radiator and hoses are in good condition
- Cooling fans operate properly
- Coolant is topped up with the correct mixture
Most overheating incidents happen in summer traffic jams or when towing uphill.
6. If You’re Towing — Check Everything Twice
Summer means boats, jet skis, caravans and trailers. Before hitting the road:
- Confirm your tow rating matches your load.
- Ensure the trailer has working brakes (if required), lights, and safety chains.
- Balance the load — too much weight at the back causes sway.
- Check wheel bearings on older trailers or boats.
Visit Waka Kotahi’s towing guidelines for specifics tailored to NZ roads.
7. Pack Your Emergency Kit
Every Kiwi road trip should include:
- First aid kit
- Torch
- Basic tools
- Jumper leads
- Tyre inflator or repair kit
- Water and snacks
- Phone charger/power bank
This is especially important for long-distance travel or remote destinations.
Final Thought
With millions of cars on New Zealand roads every summer, a little preparation goes a long way. These checks will help you arrive safely, avoid delays, and enjoy the sun-soaked adventure ahead.