When travelling long distances by road, there is a whole range of factors beyond the average driver’s ability to control.

Children fighting in the back, congested highways and crowded rest stops — these are just a few components of road-tripping that can make the journey uncomfortable, which is why “ensuring your vehicle is road-ready” beforehand is paramount.

That’s according to an Australian mechanic, who has a message for all travellers this Christmas season.

Queenslander Steve Berlin, franchise owner of JAX Tyres and Auto in Toowoomba, told Yahoo News he hopes people will “give their vehicle a proper check before hitting the road” to ensure they’re “doing everything they can” to make their trip as “safe as possible”.

“The summer holidays present a fantastic opportunity to explore Australia’s beautiful landscapes by road,” Berlin told Yahoo. “However, it’s important to remember that this is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, which means preparation is key.”

Common issues troubling Aussie drivers on the road

Berlin said common issues tripping drivers up include not “checking fluids, lights and brakes” are all as they should be before leaving home.

“Simple tasks such as topping up engine oil, coolant levels, and inspecting the condition of your tyres can make a huge difference in ensuring your car performs well throughout the journey,” he said.

The Queenslander said in recent times he’s noticed a particular spike in families travelling domestically in their vehicles more than in previous years. He said it’s great for the country but warned it means it’s now even more important people are vigilant, with more drivers on the road.

“We have been seeing that domestic holidays, particularly road trips, are becoming increasingly popular in Australia,” he said. “This trend is especially noticeable among families, as road trips are providing a more budget-friendly way to holiday.”

According to recent data from Tourism Research Australia, domestic overnight trips reached 113 million in the year ending March 2024, marking an increase compared to the previous year.

Spending on these trips also grew, totalling $109.4 billion. Factors like the ease of interstate travel, cost of living pressures and increased interest in exploring domestic destinations post-pandemic continue to drive this trend, experts say.

Warning to caravanners, motorhome enthusiasts

In particular, some say the country’s even experiencing a caravan and motorhome “boom” at the moment.

While the humble road trip is no new concept, in fact far from it, it appears in recent times more people are ditching big city life in favour of a journey on the open road.

This year, Yahoo News has reported on dozens of Aussie families who have done just that, many of whom are opting to move from the comfort of their homes, to a bunk bed in a caravan.

Operations manager Toby Read, of the family-run tour and 4WD hire group No Limits, is based on Bribie Island, off the Moreton Bay coast in Queensland. He previously spoke to Yahoo about the rate of people hitting the road in motorhomes, and said caravanning has undoubtably “boomed recently”.

According to Berlin, caravan and trailer tyres are often sitting stationary for long periods of time, so “checking your suspension and brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly is a must-do”.

“Give them a thorough inspection to ensure there are no obvious signs of wear or damage,” he said.

“Before driving anywhere, even if it’s just a short trip, perform a final check on all essential systems. This includes ensuring your lights, indicators, and reflectors are working, and that the caravan is properly hitched and secured to your vehicle.

“Make sure all your safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits, are on hand and in good condition.”

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