Pre-Trip Vehicle Checklist for Overlanding

The bush is not the place to discover your spare tyre is flat or your recovery strap is rotted. Use this checklist before every serious trip.

## Under the Bonnet

• [ ] Engine oil level and condition


• [ ] Coolant level


• [ ] Power steering fluid


• [ ] Brake fluid


• [ ] Belt condition (cracks, fraying)


• [ ] Battery terminals (corrosion-free, tight)


• [ ] Radiator (no leaks, fins clean)

## Tyres

• [ ] Pressure correct (including spare)


• [ ] Tread depth adequate


• [ ] No sidewall damage or bubbles


• [ ] Wheel nuts torqued


• [ ] Portable compressor charged/working

## Recovery Kit

• [ ] Snatch/kinetic strap present and not degraded (UV damage?)


• [ ] Shackles — correct WLL for your vehicle weight


• [ ] Hi-lift jack serviceable


• [ ] Shovel


• [ ] Traction boards (if carried)


• [ ] Winch (check rope/cable condition, fairlead, remote)

## Fluids to Carry

• 2L engine oil (same spec as engine)


• 1L coolant (pre-mixed or concentrate + water)


• Brake fluid


• AdBlue if applicable

## Communication & Navigation

• [ ] Offline maps downloaded (Maps.me, Gaia GPS, etc.)


• [ ] Phone charged


• [ ] Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT) for remote trips


• [ ] Emergency contacts know your route and ETA

## Camp Kit

• [ ] Gas canister level checked


• [ ] Matches / lighter (backup to backup)


• [ ] First aid kit stocked


• [ ] Enough water (3L/person/day minimum in heat)

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Experienced overlanders — what's the thing most often forgotten? Add it below.