We love a road trip. The open road, a good playlist and nowhere you have to be. But after plenty of kilometres across Australia, we've learnt that the trips you remember for the right reasons are the ones where you sorted the boring stuff before you left. Here are our 10 non-negotiables.
1. Check your spare tyre and jack before you leave
Most people have never looked at their spare until they need it. Check it's pumped up, the jack is there and you know how to use it. You don't want to find out on the side of the highway, in the rain, with no signal.
2. Get your tyre pressure right for the load
A loaded car needs different pressures from an empty one. Check your door sticker or manual. It's safer, and it saves fuel too.
3. Download offline maps for the whole route
Not just your destination, the whole way. Regional roads can drop signal for hours, and that's exactly when you'll need directions.
4. Fuel up at half a tank
Out here, there can be 100 to 200 km between servos. Don't wait for the light. Top up whenever you pass one past the halfway mark.
5. Pack a charged power pack
Charge it and check it before you go, rather than assuming it's still full from last trip. Your phone is your map, your torch and your lifeline.
6. Set your car fridge up properly
A car fridge is a game changer, but run it without an accessory cut-off or a dual battery system and it can flatten your main battery overnight. Sort it before you go.
7. Carry a cask of water
It's drinking water if you're stuck, and a radiator top-up if the car overheats. One cask, two jobs.
8. Upgrade your first aid kit
Add a snake bite kit, and throw in a roll of toilet paper while you're at it. You'll thank us.
9. Keep your windscreen clean
Driving into the sun with a dirty windscreen is dangerous. Keep a chamois or microfibre cloth in the glove box, and add anti-bug additive to your washer fluid.
10. Tell someone your route and ETA
It's simple, and it's the one that matters most if anything goes wrong.