Planning a long road trip across Australia? Whether you’re heading up the Great Ocean Road or taking a drive through the Outback, making sure your vehicle is road-ready is crucial. And one of the most important pre-trip rituals? Checking your car’s fluids.
It might sound simple, but skipping this step can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere—or worse, stuck with costly repairs. Here’s a guide to the essential fluids to check before you hit the road, explained in a no-fuss, down-to-earth way.
1. Engine Oil – Your Car’s Lifeline
Let’s start with the big one. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine and keeps everything running smoothly. Low or dirty oil can lead to overheating or even engine failure—something you definitely don’t want to deal with on a road trip.
How to check it:
Pop the bonnet, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then dip it back in and check the level. The oil should be between the min and max markers and not look sludgy or black.
Tip: If it’s been over 10,000 km since your last oil change, or you can’t remember when it was last done, it’s worth getting it changed before the trip.
2. Coolant – Keeps Your Engine Cool
Australia gets hot. Really hot. Whether you’re driving through the Northern Territory or in suburban Melbourne traffic, coolant prevents your engine from overheating. It’s especially important on long drives where your car’s working harder than usual.
How to check it:
Make sure the engine is cool first. Then check the coolant reservoir—it should be between the min and max lines. If it’s low, top it up with the right mix of water and coolant (check your car manual).
3. Brake Fluid – For Safe Stops
Brake fluid plays a vital role in transferring the pressure from your foot on the brake pedal to the actual braking system. Without the right level or quality of brake fluid, your braking power could be compromised.
Signs of trouble:
If your brake pedal feels spongy or you’ve noticed braking takes longer than usual, it’s time to get it checked immediately—before you even think about driving out of the city.
4. Transmission Fluid – Smooth Gear Changes
If your car jerks when shifting gears or you hear strange whining sounds, low transmission fluid could be the culprit. While many newer vehicles have sealed transmissions, it’s still a good idea to have a mechanic check the levels before a long journey.
Especially important for:
Older vehicles and cars towing heavy loads (like caravans or trailers) during road trips.
5. Power Steering Fluid – Easy Handling
Ever felt your steering wheel get stiff or harder to turn? That could be low power steering fluid. While it might not seem like a huge deal on short city drives, it can become a real nuisance—or even a danger—on long trips, especially on winding roads.
Tip:
It’s easy to top up, but if the level is consistently low, there could be a leak that needs fixing.
6. Windscreen Washer Fluid – See Clearly
It’s one of the most overlooked fluids, but don’t underestimate how important it is. Bugs, dust, and road grime can quickly mess up your windscreen, especially in the outback or during long highway drives. Washer fluid helps keep your view clear and safe.
Don’t just use water:
A proper washer solution helps cut through grime better and won’t freeze or smell like stagnant water.
7. Differential and Transfer Case Fluids (For 4WDs)
If you’re heading off-road or towing with a 4WD, don’t forget these. They help keep your vehicle’s drivetrain in top shape during tough driving conditions. A quick check by a mechanic can save you from serious damage.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Tyre Pressure and Battery
Okay, they’re not fluids—but they’re just as important. Underinflated tyres affect fuel economy and handling, and a weak battery can leave you stranded before you even get started. Get them checked as part of your pre-trip prep.
Before You Set Off…
Checking your fluids might take 15–30 minutes, or a quick visit to your local mechanic. But it could save you hours (or days) of headache on the road. Breakdowns in remote parts of Australia aren’t just inconvenient—they can be expensive and dangerous.
And if your car is older, struggling, or you’ve been thinking about upgrading, now might be the time. At some point, topping up fluids won’t fix underlying wear and tear. That’s where we come in.
If you’ve got a car that’s better off retired, our team buys old, non-running, and unwanted vehicles for top cash. Whether it’s ready for the tip or still running but unreliable, we’ll take it off your hands and pay you on the spot.
Just One More Thing…
Before any road trip, give your vehicle the TLC it deserves. A quick fluid check can mean the difference between a relaxing holiday and a stressful roadside stop. Safe travels—and if your car’s no longer road-trip ready, you know who to call.
Let us help you turn that old car into instant cash.
Contact us today to get a free quote and same-day pickup!
If you are in Lyndhurst, and looking to sell your car, below is the best way to visit us.
Contact us at
Unit 3/2 Lace St
Eumemmerring VIC 3177
(03) 9067 7578