It's shaping up to be the summer for road trips, but how prepared is your car to go the distance on Australian roads this Christmas?
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Alfio Guglielmino owner of Midtown Motors on Yambil street, wants to remind those planning to get on the road these holidays to ensure the basics of car care are covered.
"Before you go away you want to do your basic checks like your tyres, your water level, engine oil, radiator hoses and fan belts," Mr Guglielmino said.
"Also your lights and blinkers are important and wiper blades being in good condition.
"Having the correct detergent for your wipers to clean the bugs off your windscreen too. Do not use hand soap or dishwashing liquid or any of that stuff because it goes hard and clogs everything up."
The NRMA Insurance Summer Road Trip research showed around only half of drivers polled carry out any recommended maintenance on their vehicles before setting off on a road trip. Mr Guglielmino says this is problematic as the majority of break downs he usually sees are from hoses, fan belts and common wear and tear issues that can be easily prevented if you plan ahead.
"Any time you are going to go away you should be booking in with your mechanic at least a week to 10 days prior to leaving," Mr Guglielmino said.
"That way if there is any major issues with your vehicle there's time to order parts and repair.
"Also after any major repairs have been done it's good to drive around the town a week before you leave to make sure everything is correct."
Mr Guglielmino who has owned Midtown Motors since 1989, has seen a change from his end over the last half decade in Griffith's road tripping habits.
"Around five to seven years ago I used to a lot of people coming to me last minute saying 'quick, I've got to do my car before going away for school holidays with the family," Mr Guglielmino said.
"Since then we haven't had that influx leading up to the holidays because I believe more and more people have been travelling overseas instead.
"Now it's starting to pick up and I reckon next year we'll be seeing a lot more people starting to holiday back in Australia."
To help with planning roadtrips, Transport for NSW has released the times when the roads around coastal areas are busiest; at rms.nsw.gov.au/holiday-journeys
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Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
