Follow these essential tips and you may come home from your day trip with your sanity still intact.
Two weeks into the school holidays and for many, summer feels like a long time without the routine and structure of school. But fear not, there's so much to keep your family occupied right here on our doorstep.
Whether it's a road trip or beach trip, driving at this time of year can really get to the best of us so we've collated some tips to help you keep your cool out on the roads.
Travel earlier in the day
During the summer, it's hottest between 10am and 2pm so try to set out for your destination bright and early to beat the traffic and keep your stress levels down.
Prepare for congestion
At certain points over the summer break the roads can be utter mayhem, especially if you are heading to an event or the beach up the North Coast on a warm day. Watch out for impatient drivers showing signs of road rage and out-of-towners who may be unfamiliar with the area as well as cars stopped by the roadside.
Be patient with young drivers
Schools out so that means more young drivers on the road but be mindful of the fact R drivers in particular are inexperienced and still learning so keep a watchful eye out, remember you were a new driver once too.
Check your tyres
Changes in temperature and impact your tyre pressure. Heat causes air to expand and if there's too much pressure, tyres can blow out so do keep an eye on thread levels and tyre pressure.
Monitor fluid levels
It's always important to regularly maintain your car to ensure safe driving at any time of the year. Simple things like making sure you've enough fuel to reach your destination - you can easily be caught out by the side of the motorway if you come across an accident and you're sitting in a long tailback.
Don't forget to top up your washer fluid as well. Summer rain showers can be really heavy and when mixed with pollen, windscreens can become difficult to clearly see through. Engine coolant checks are also a must so your car doesn't overheat.
Keep your car cool
Keeping your car cool will also help keep your cool. One of the biggest annoyances is when the car gets overheated as it's low on engine coolant, air-con stops working, fan belt is broken etc. Best check all this out before you hit the road for the day.
