Christmas is one of the busiest travel seasons in New Zealand.
Whether you’re heading out of town to visit family, planning a beach getaway, or going on a South Island road trip, a quick pre-trip car check before Christmas can prevent breakdowns, delays, and unexpected repair costs.

This beginner-friendly 12-point checklist helps you make sure your car is safe, reliable, and ready for the Christmas holiday rush.

✅ 1. Tyre Tread Depth & Condition

Your tyres are your only contact with the road.

Check for:

• Minimum tread depth (NZ legal minimum: 1.5mm)

• Uneven wear

• Cracks or bulges on the sidewall

🚨 Worn tyres increase braking distance and blowout risk—especially on hot Canterbury roads.

✅ 2. Tyre Pressure (Including Spare Tyre)

Incorrect tyre pressure causes:

• Higher fuel consumption

• Noisy driving

• Poor handling

👉 Check pressure when tyres are cold.
Don’t forget the spare tyre—many people do.

✅ 3. Engine Oil Level & Condition

Low or old engine oil can cause:

• Engine noise

• Overheating

• Increased fuel use

If the oil looks very dark or gritty, it’s time for a service—especially before long trips.

✅ 4. Coolant / Anti-Freeze (Yes, Even in Summer)

Many drivers think coolant is only for winter—that’s a mistake.

Coolant:

• Prevents overheating

• Regulates engine temperature

• Protects engine components

Low coolant is one of the top causes of summer breakdowns in NZ.

✅ 5. Brake System

Check:

• Brake pedal feel (spongy = warning sign)

• Any squeaking or grinding noises

• Brake fluid level

Brakes work harder on long downhill roads and hot days.

✅ 6. Windscreen Wipers & Washer Fluid

Clean visibility is critical for:

• Sudden rain

• Dust

• Insects

If your wipers leave streaks or make noise, replace them—it’s cheap and effective.

✅ 7. Air Conditioning Performance

Before summer driving, check:

• How fast the cabin cools

• Unusual noises

• Weak airflow

A poorly working AC makes long trips uncomfortable and can increase fuel use.

✅ 8. Battery Health

Hot weather shortens battery life.

Warning signs:

• Slow engine start

• Dashboard warning lights

A weak battery is a common cause of roadside call-outs during NZ summers.

✅ 9. Lights & Indicators

Check all:

• Headlights

• Brake lights

• Indicators

• Reverse lights

Essential for early mornings, late nights, and rural driving.

✅ 10. Steering & Suspension Feel

During your test drive, notice:

• Steering vibration

• Pulling to one side

• Excessive bouncing

These may indicate alignment, tyre, or suspension issues.

✅ 11. Emergency Kit & Tools

Recommended items:

• Water

• Phone charger

• First-aid kit

• Warning triangle

• Torch

Especially important for South Island long-distance routes.

✅ 12. Listen to Your Car

Unusual noises, smells, or warning lights = don’t ignore them.
Fixing small issues early is always cheaper.

Before you hit the road, let professionals handle it.

At MIG CARS, we offer:

✔ Vehicle inspection
✔ Tyres, oil, coolant, brakes, AC & battery inspection
✔ Experienced mechanics & workshop
✔ Christchurch-based, NZ trusted dealer

📍 Visit us before your next road trip and drive with confidence.