Holiday Travel Check-Up

1. Check your tyres

Your tyres are the only part of your car that come into direct contact with the road. Therefore, they are one of the most important elements on your vehicle. We recommend checking the following:

• Tyre pressure: Check your tyre pressure using a gauge (available at most service stations). Refer to your car manual or the placard sticker (usually located inside the driver’s side door) for the correct PSI/kPa.
• Tread depth: Your tyre tread should be at least 1.6mm and you can use a tyre tread tool to check this – if you don’t have one, check out the likes of Amazon, Supercheap Auto or Repco. If your tyre tread is looking worn or uneven, it might be time to replace them.
• Spare tyre: Don’t forget to check the pressure and condition of your spare tyre—just in case! Don’t have one? Make sure your tyre inflation or repair kit is ready to go.

2. Inspect your brakes

Safety first! Your brakes are another important element when it comes to your car’s performance and safety. Listen out for squealing or grinding noises, which could indicate worn brake pads, although most newer cars will have a brake pad wear indicator light on the dash.

If your brakes feel spongy or unresponsive, book an inspection with Leondis Automotive. We offer detailed brake inspections to uncover potential wear, damage, and other problems to one of your car’s most important parts.

3. Check and top up fluids

Your car relies on a few crucial fluids to keep everything running smoothly. Before you head off for a holiday road trip, it would be a good idea to check and top up the following:

• Engine oil: Pull out your car’s dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it to check your oil levels. Top up if needed, but ensure you use the correct oil grade for your car.
• Coolant: A low coolant level can cause overheating, especially when driving long distances. Ensure your coolant is topped up to the recommended level.
• Brake fluid: Check that your car’s brake fluid sits within the “min” and “max” levels on the reservoir.
• Windscreen washer fluid: Don’t forget about your washer reservoir and while you’re there, it would be ideal to also check your wiper blades for wear and replace them if needed.

4. Test your battery

Nothing will ruin a holiday like a car that won’t start. You can test your car battery with what’s called a multimeter, but don’t stress if you don’t have one – at Leondis Automotive, we can inspect and check for you, and advise if your battery might need changing soon. If your battery is more than four or five years old, it might be worth replacing it before your trip for peace of mind.

5. Check your lights

Ensure all the  lights on your car are working, including headlights (low beam and high beam), brake lights, blinkers, and fog lights. It’s a very simple check that can prevent accidents and ensure you’re visible to other drivers before your road trip.

6. Pack an emergency kit

Even the best preparation can’t prevent all issues. Having an emergency kit in your car can make all the difference. We recommend:

• Jumper cables
• Torch with spare batteries
• Basic toolkit
• First-aid kit
• Extra water and snacks

7. Update your roadside assistance

Make sure your roadside assistance membership is up to date. Having someone to call in case of a breakdown provides peace of mind and quick support.

8. Book a professional inspection

If you’re unsure about any of these checks or want to make sure your car is ready for your next holiday road- trip, book a professional inspection. At Leondis Automotive, our expert mechanics will give your vehicle a thorough check – you’ll benefit from dealer level expertise and superior service from Sydney’s leading automotive experts.