5 Easy DIY Car Checks for Your Next Road Trip

Before you load the chilly bin and set the GPS for your next adventure, make sure your car’s as ready as you are. No one wants a warning light flicking on halfway up State Highway 1! You don’t need to be a mechanic to get the basics sorted. With a bit of know-how and a few tools, you can tackle some DIY car maintenance at home.

Here are RubberTree’s  five quick car checks before a road trip to help you hit the road with confidence.

Essential Car Checks Before a Big Trip

Check Fluid Levels

Before heading off on your road trip, be sure to pop the bonnet and have a look at a few key fluids in your car:

• Engine oil: Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then check the level and colour. Healthy oil should be golden or amber. If it’s dark or gritty, it’s time for an oil change. Running low can cause serious engine damage, so always top up before a long drive.
• Coolant: Only check this when the engine is cool. The level in the overflow tank should sit between the “min” and “max” lines. Low coolant can lead to overheating, a nightmare on a summer road trip.
• Brake fluid, transmission fluid, washer fluid: These don’t need topping up as often, but a quick glance can save headaches. Keep an eye out for leaks or sudden drops in level, which could signal bigger issues.

Take a Look at Your Tyre Pressure and Tread

Your tyres are your only contact with the road, so they need to be in top shape. Use a tyre pressure gauge to check all four tyres, and don't forget the spare! Each tyre should be inflated to the recommended PSI (check the sticker inside your driver’s door or your owner’s manual). Underinflated tyres can cause poor handling and chew through more fuel.

While you’re at it, inspect the tread depth. The legal minimum in NZ is 1.5mm, but anything under 3mm is worth replacing for safety, especially if you’ll be driving in wet conditions. Uneven wear could mean it’s time for a wheel alignment or rotation.

Test Your Lights and Indicators

Good visibility is crucial, especially if you’ll be driving at night or in bad weather. Ask a mate to stand outside while you test headlights, tail-lights, brake lights, and indicators. Don’t forget to check your high beams and reverse lights. Replacing a blown bulb is cheap and easy, plus it saves you from fines or safety risks on the road.

Tools You Should Always Carry on a Road Trip

Even with a well-prepped car, it’s smart to have a few breakdown essentials in your boot:

• Tyre pressure gauge & portable air pump: Essential for keeping your tyres at the correct PSI while on the move. If you pick up a slow leak or the temperature drops, you can top up and keep rolling without hunting for a service station.
• Jumper cables or portable jump starter: Flat batteries have a knack for striking when you least expect it. A set of cables or a compact jump starter can get you back on the road in minutes.
• Spare fuses & bulbs: These take up hardly any space and can be swapped out in minutes if a light or electrical function fails mid-trip.
• Basic tool kit: A few screwdrivers, spanners, and pliers can handle small fixes and adjustments without fuss.
• Torch & gloves: Breakdowns rarely happen in perfect daylight and weather. A torch helps you see what you’re doing, and gloves keep your hands clean and protected.

Hit the Road with Confidence

Spending half an hour doing some DIY car maintenance before you hit the road can save you hours of frustration later. And while you’re at it, protect your interior from all the sand, mud, and snack crumbs that come with a Kiwi roadie. RubberTree’s heavy-duty mats  and seat covers  are perfect for keeping your car looking sharp, no matter where the road takes you.