For a lot of families, the summer break starts with a long drive: the run down to the Gold Coast, up to the Sunshine Coast or out west for Christmas. It is also the time of year when a car that has spent months on stop-start traffic across the inner north is suddenly asked to sit at highway speed for hours, fully loaded, in the heat.
Most breakdowns we see over the holidays did not come out of nowhere. There was a warning light that had been on for a while, a vibration that got a little worse every week, or a service that kept getting pushed back. A quick look before you leave is far cheaper than a tow truck on the side of the highway on Boxing Day.
What is worth checking before a long drive
- Tyres. Tread depth, uneven wear and pressures set for a loaded car, not an empty one. Uneven wear is often the first sign of an alignment or suspension problem.
- Brakes. A full car on a long descent works the brakes much harder than the daily commute. Squealing, a soft pedal or a pull to one side are worth a look.
- Cooling system. Summer heat and traffic jams on the way out of the city are where a weak radiator, an old coolant hose or a tired thermostat give up.
- Battery. Modern European cars rely heavily on electronics, and a weak battery causes faults that look like anything except a battery.
- Warning lights. If something is lit on the dash, find out what it means before you leave, not halfway there.
- Fluids, lights and wipers. Small things, but a summer storm on the highway is not the moment to find out the wipers are worn.
Repairs by priority, not all at once
We know the end of the year is expensive. That is why a check should tell you two things clearly: what needs attention now for the trip to be safe, and what can safely be planned for later. You leave knowing where your car stands, and nothing is done without your approval.
Free pre-holiday inspection until 18 December
Until 18 December 2026, Eurotech Automotive offers a free pre-holiday inspection for European cars at our Albion workshop. Book online and mention CHRISTMAS CHECK. Our team looks over your car, tells you what needs attention now and what can wait, and you decide what happens next.
We are an independent specialist for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen and Land Rover. Servicing to the manufacturer schedule with genuine or OE parts keeps your factory warranty intact, and every job carries our 1 year / 10,000 km workshop guarantee.
Book your free pre-holiday inspection in Albion or call 1300 093 121.
Eurotech Automotive Brisbane, 21 Pedder St, Albion QLD 4010.