BLOWBAGETS
10-point pre-trip vehicle check.
Battery
A flat or corroded battery is the most common cause of a vehicle that won't start when you need it most. A 60-second visual check before each trip catches almost every avoidable failure.
Checklist
- Terminals are clean — no white or green crust
- Cables are tight and not frayed
- Battery is held down firmly in its tray
- No swelling or cracks on the casing
- Warning light on the dashboard turns off shortly after starting
Watch out for
If the engine cranks slowly or the lights dim noticeably at idle, treat it as a warning. Test the battery before your next long trip.
Lights
Driving with a blown headlight or brake light is dangerous, illegal, and an easy fix. Make this the second thing you check.
Checklist
- Low and high beam headlights both work
- Tail lights, brake lights, and reverse light all work
- Left and right indicators flash at a normal rate
- Hazard lights flash on all four corners
- Number plate light is on
- Interior dash lights are readable
Watch out for
An indicator that flashes faster than usual often means a bulb is out on that side.
Oil
Low engine oil can destroy an engine in minutes. The check takes 30 seconds with the dipstick.
Checklist
- Park on level ground and let the engine cool for a minute
- Pull the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert fully, then pull again
- Oil level sits between MIN and MAX marks
- Oil colour is amber to light brown, not black or milky
- No oil patches under the vehicle
Watch out for
Milky oil suggests coolant contamination. Black, gritty oil means it's overdue for a change.
Water
"Water" covers coolant and the windscreen washer reservoir. Both keep you safe on the road.
Checklist
- Coolant reservoir is between MIN and MAX (check cold, never open a hot radiator)
- Coolant colour is clear green, pink, or blue — not brown
- Windscreen washer reservoir is full
- No coolant leaks or steam from the engine bay
Watch out for
A temperature gauge climbing above normal is a stop-now signal. Pull over safely and let the engine cool before checking anything.
Brakes
Of everything on the BLOWBAGETS list, brakes are the one you cannot drive without. The check is short, but a failure here is unforgiving.
Checklist
- Brake pedal feels firm, not soft or spongy
- Pedal does not sink to the floor under steady pressure
- Handbrake holds the vehicle on a slope
- No grinding, squealing, or pulling to one side when you brake at low speed
- Brake warning light on the dashboard is off
Watch out for
A pedal that feels different to yesterday is the warning. Don't drive with brakes that don't feel right — get them inspected immediately.
Air
"Air" covers tyre pressure and, in larger vehicles, the air conditioning and air-brake systems. Correct tyre pressure improves grip, fuel economy, and tyre life.
Checklist
- Tyre pressure matches the vehicle's recommended PSI (placard inside driver's door)
- Spare tyre is also inflated to spec
- Air conditioning blows cold within a minute of starting
- Cabin air vents are clear and unobstructed
Watch out for
Tyres lose roughly 1 PSI per month and 1 PSI per 10°C drop in temperature. Cold mornings are when you'll notice.
Gas
Running out of fuel on a remote stretch of highway is dangerous and entirely preventable. Confirm fuel level before every trip.
Checklist
- Fuel gauge reads at least one quarter for short trips, half for highway driving
- Fuel cap is tightened until it clicks
- No fuel smell around the vehicle
- No drips under the engine or near the tank
Watch out for
If your fuel economy suddenly drops, look for the cause — a stuck brake, low tyre pressure, or a fuel system fault.
Engine
A quick under-bonnet scan and a listen at idle catches problems before they strand you.
Checklist
- All belts are intact, not frayed or glazed
- Hoses are firm and clamped — no swelling or weeping
- Engine idles smoothly without rough shaking
- No unusual smells — burning oil, rubber, or sweet coolant
- No check-engine warning light after starting
Watch out for
A new noise — ticking, whining, or knocking — is always worth investigating. Engines rarely fix themselves.
Tires
Tyres are the only contact between your vehicle and the road. Worn or damaged tyres dramatically extend stopping distance, especially in wet weather.
Checklist
- Tread depth is above 1.5 mm across the full width (legal minimum in AU/NZ)
- No cuts, bulges, or embedded objects (screws, nails, glass)
- Wear is even — no flat spots or one-sided wear
- Wheel nuts appear seated and not loose
- Spare tyre is roadworthy
Watch out for
A 20-cent coin test works: insert it into the tread groove. If the outer rim is visible, your tyres are near or past the legal limit.
Self
The last check is about you. A road-ready vehicle is no use to a tired, distracted, or unfit driver.
Checklist
- You're well rested — no fewer than 6 hours sleep before a long drive
- You're not under the influence of alcohol or sedating medication
- Your eyes are clear; glasses or contacts on if required
- You have your driver's licence and registration documents with you
- You know where you're going and have phone navigation set before you start
Watch out for
Fatigue is as dangerous as alcohol. If you find yourself yawning, drifting, or struggling to focus, stop and rest. Switch drivers if possible.