Your guide for a winter road trip 2023

Thinking of getting on the road and driving to that beautiful Aussie destination that you have been waiting to explore this winter? Well, here is your sign!

But before you get all excited and start packing for your trip and sorting out car insurance, consider the following tips for a safe drive to your destination. 

It is crucial to take extra precautions in winter, as the weather conditions in winter can be very unpredictable. The roads in winter can also get slippery and foggy, which affects the driving conditions to a great extent. You’ll want to prepare for situations where you could be  on the road with zero visibility, as well as a host of other potential hazards.

Let’s get into the top tips for your winter road trip right away - 

Get your car serviced two weeks prior to your departure

Getting your car serviced prior to taking off puts you in a better position because it reduces the likelihood of your car breaking down on the road. It is better to plan ahead and get your car serviced a week or two in advance of your road trip, just in case there are extra repairs that need to be made. 

You can get a few checks done yourself like oil, tyres, wiper liquid, tools, etc. This even prepares you for car maintenance on your road trip, as you might need to tend to a few things without any help. 

Make sure that you do minor checks when you’re back from the trip as well. 

Put together passenger packages 

Make sure you have everything that you need for the people on board, especially if you have kids. It is important to be mindful of their needs so that they can enjoy this trip to the fullest. 

See to it that everyone is entertained while on the road. Maybe your kids have rhymes/songs to sing, cartoons to watch, or games to play. 

Pack a lot of snacks so that you don’t run into the issue if you or your kid get hungry when there are no stops ahead for miles. You should also carry any important medications, warm clothes, a first aid kit for any injuries, incase of a car breakdown. 

Check your route and give a copy to a family member

Knowing your route is a safer option than relying on an app because your network might fluctuate, especially if you’re going to a remote place. The best way to tackle this is knowing a few landmarks on the road, or better, marking them on a physical map. Landmarks can be anything you’re likely to remember, such as petrol stations, food and rest stops, stops to recharge your electric vehicle, Big Mangos – whatever! 

The more drivers the merrier

Having more than one driver is always a good idea on a road trip. It takes pressure off of one driver and helps everyone have a relaxed time. 

But if there is just one driver, then make sure they are taking enough time to rest and aren’t tired while driving on the road. Rest is important, especially if your destination is quite far away. In this case, mark the rest stops diligently on your map. 

Check your car insurance won’t lapse & for any policy exclusions

It is mandatory to have a Compulsory Third Party insurance as a minimum in Australia. It is always a good idea to keep track of when your insurance policies expire so that your coverage doesn’t lapse while you’re away from home. It is all the more crucial to make sure you know the terms and conditions of your car insurance policy properly. 

Tip tip: You do not want to get insurance on the last day, as these policies take time to process and start, or may have waiting periods for certain inclusions. BONUS TOP TIP: Be sure to also check your home and contents insurance policy for any exclusions. Some policies might have restrictions around the number of days your home can be vacant for before cover is voided. 

Luckily, we at Mozo have a list of car insurance policies for you to compare and choose from. Have a go!