The Christmas holidays are all about heading to the great outdoors with good mates and family. Who’d really say no to a little adventure and fun over the break? The last thing you need is any stress or worry while you’re relaxing with a cold one by the campfire. So, to make sure your Christmas road trip is as care-free as possible, here’s our checklist to prepare you for your 4X4 adventure.
Check your 4X4 insurance before Christmas
It seems like a bit of a no-brainer, but if you’re new to owning a 4X4 you may not have considered that you need insurance that covers your off-roading excursions. It’s your best bet to preventing any future financial headaches. Make sure you have appropriate cover for what you’re doing and where you’re going with the right insurer.
Club 4X4 offers up to $1500 coverage towards the cost of recovering your vehicle when you’re off-road. Thankfully, you’ll be covered anywhere in Australia and they’ll even cover up to $1000 in emergency repairs. Don’t risk all the hard work you’ve put into your vehicle. Make sure you look out for your vehicle and choose an insurer who covers your adventurous lifestyle.
Check your tyres
The first thing you’ll want to inspect on your truck are your tyres. How is the tread? If it’s too worn you risk getting bogged down somewhere because you won’t have the traction. Are these tyres what you need for where you’re going? Also, make sure to check what the proper Psi is for your tyres and inflate accordingly. Once you go off-road, you’ll likely need to deflate them a bit as well for better handling. Don’t forget to inspect your spare, too!
Check your engine
Your 4X4 is going to be packed with gear and bodies, which means your engine is going to be working harder to get you to your destination. Keep this in mind and have a look under the bonnet before heading out, especially if you’ve not taken your truck out in a while.
Have a look at your oil levels and other fluids. When was the last time you had an oil change? What about your radiator? Your engine is going to be running hot, so check the fluid levels, and make sure your rad isn’t leaking. If there are any doubts, have a trusted mechanic give it a once-over. It’s a good idea to get a second pair of eyes when making sure sure your 4X4’s engine is as up for the holiday trip as you are.
Have a look at your oil levels and other fluids. When was the last time you had an oil change? What about your radiator? Your engine is going to be running hot, so check the fluid levels, and make sure your rad isn’t leaking. If there are any doubts, have a trusted mechanic give it a once-over. It’s a good idea to get a second pair of eyes when making sure sure your 4X4’s engine is as up for the holiday trip as you are.
How’s your windscreen?
Now, give your windscreen a once (or twice) over. Little dings or cracks can get much worse and cause big problems, especially when you’re off road. How is the visibility? Throw some muddy water on the windscreen and test your wipers out, too. If they’re not doing the job, it’s time for replacements before you head out. Don’t forget to top off the wiper fluid, as well, because you’ll need it.
Check your gear
You’ll want to make sure any gear you’re taking on the trip is clean and in working order. Tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear… everything. Take it out, air it out, look for damage or anything else that’s going to make your holiday anything less than fun. Replace anything that’s not making the grade.
Inspect your trailer or caravan
If you’re towing a trailer on your holiday adventure, make sure you’ve checked it out. Especially if it’s been a while since you’ve used it. Inspect the hitch and lights. Check its underbelly for clearance and damage. How are the tyres? Any leaks inside? Finally, ensure your brake and light connections are working properly.
Know your route & Christmas destination
Getting lost is the last thing you want on your Christmas holiday, especially if you’re far from civilisation. Make sure you know where you’re going and have checked the route ahead of time for any possible challenges or potential detours. Have you double checked your booking at your destination? Have you made a plan B in case where you want to go is full? If you plan to be somewhere really remote, have you considered taking a satellite phone for emergencies?
Deck your 4X4 out for Christmas
It is the Christmas season after all, and decking the halls is what it’s all about. What about decking out your vehicle? Can you? Is it legal? The answer is yes. It’s legal in Australia to hang tinsel on your bulbar, but there are of course some caveats. The tinsel must not obstruct your number plates or your headlights. As I’m sure you can imagine, it must also be fixed firmly so that it does not fly off or distract other motorists. The last thing you want is your shiny tinsel flying off and hitting another drivers windscreen. I doubt they’d be jolly with Christmas spirit after that.
The number one rule of preparing that’s never let me know is ensuring I have a plan. By adhering to this checklist we reckon your holidays will be a little more stress-free with far less variables to hit you by surprise.
