’Twas the week before Christmas, the car was packed tight,
With kids in the back and no homework in sight.
The boot was jammed full, the playlist was queued:
A long road ahead and a holiday mood!
The engine purred nicely, the air con blew cold,
Dad said, “She’s solid, this car’s made of gold!”
But not far from the driveway, just out of town,
There came a strange rattle… then silence—then frowns.
Hazard lights on, tempers up, plans astray,
Their festive road trip had stalled midway.
Because nothing says Christmas like discovering too late
Your car doesn’t care that it’s holiday break…
Australians love a good road trip, and there is no better time to embark on a family holiday than during school holidays! But before setting off on a long road trip with the family this Christmas and New Year season, it is important to properly service your car. This will ensure that your vehicle is in good working order, making the trip both safer and more enjoyable.
Here is a handy school holiday service checklist to guarantee safer drives for you and your loved ones this school holiday season.
A well-maintained car is less likely to face mechanical problems, such as a faulty alternator or a worn-out timing belt. These types of issues can be dangerous, and they can also be costly to fix if you are far away from home.
By servicing your car before you hit the road, you can identify and fix potential problems before they become major issues. Staying on top of burgeoning car problems will also protect the value of your car, making future car log book servicing and roadworthy certificates easier.
From topping up your fluids to checking your tyre pressure, here is your ultimate school holiday car service checklist.
Check your car’s oil and fluid levels, including engine coolant, power steering fluid, and brake and clutch fluid. If your car isn’t due for a mechcnial repairs just yet, simply pop the bonnet open and inspect the levels yourself. And be sure to check windscreen washer fluid levels and top up if needed!
Speaking of your windscreen, you should check it for any chips or cracks before hitting the road. These can become a bigger problem (literally) and require a windscreen replacement if not repaired in time.
Ensure all four of your tyres have at least 3mm of tread on them to effectively displace water in heavy rain—the legal minimum is 1.5mm. Look for any racks or bulges. Go ahead and check your tyre pressure, too, including the spare! If you notice anything wrong with the fit of your tyres, then you may want to book in for a wheel realignment.
Watch out for signs of a weakening car battery, such as your engine starting more slowly or sounding different than before. Other signs include flashing warning lights due to low voltage and screen displays acting up. If in doubt, get your battery replaced or tested as necessary. It’s a good idea to go on your road trip knowing your battery will reliably get you there and back again!
Confirm all your headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working. Faulty lights are a safety hazard and can result in hefty fines, so be sure to check them regularly. It may be worthwhile booking in for a diagnostic service to get an accurate reading of your car’s electrical systems.
Aussie summers are HOT! No matter where you’re going with your family, you’ll want to be cool and comfortable the whole way there. Check that your coolant levels are sufficient and that it blows reliably for long periods of time. To save yourself from a sweaty road trip, get your air conditioner serviced before your departure!
Beyond making sure your car is working, here are some extra things to keep in check when preparing for your holiday road trip!
Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date and suited to your latest travel plans. Knowing you have suitable cover means you can focus on the adventure and avoid any stress!
It is recommended that all motorists carry a first-aid kit and a high-vis vest in case of a breakdown or emergency. Pack some safety cones in your car, too, in case you do break down on the side of the road and need to step out of your car.
Make sure you have plenty of water with you throughout the duration of your trip! Not only will this keep your family hydrated, but a spare bottle of water in your vehicle can come in handy in case you need to cool off an overheated radiator or engine.
Completing these checks will help ensure a safe and smooth summer road trip—Happy Holidays!
At S.S.C. Mechanics, we’re committed to delivering exceptional automotive care built on trust, respect, and quality workmanship. As a proud family-owned business with decades of experience serving Melbourne Airport West and its surrounding communities, we understand the importance of reliable car service.
Our team provides honest advice, competitive pricing, and expert servicing using only genuine manufacturer parts and premium oils, ensuring your vehicle performs to dealership standards without the dealership price tag. Plus, with a 12-month warranty on all our services and repairs, you can hit the road with complete confidence knowing your vehicle, investment, and safety are all in good hands.
A little preparation now can save you from a lot of stress later on. By ticking off this school holiday service checklist—or letting a trusted professional handle it for you—you’re giving your family the best gift of all: a safer, smoother journey and fewer roadside surprises.
Before you load up the car this school holiday, make sure your vehicle is truly road-ready. The busy holiday period fills up fast, and the last thing you want is a breakdown stealing time from your well-earned break.
Book a car service near you with S.S.C. Mechanics today and travel with confidence knowing your car has been thoroughly checked by experienced, local professionals.
S.S.C. Mechanics provides professional mechanical repair services for Melbourne’s north-west. We provide car safety checks for all kinds of makes and models.
Based in Airport West, our customers come from various surrounding locations, including:
And more locations surrounding Melbourne’s North-West!
Give us a call today on (03) 9338 9573 or 0430 928 764 to discuss how we can help you.
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