The Small Things That Cause the Biggest Problems
Hitting the road is meant to feel easy: fewer crowds and no tight schedules, just the freedom to go where you like.
But once you get into remote parts of Australia, things change a bit. There’s less traffic, fewer services and a lot more distance between you and help if something goes wrong.
That’s where preparation really matters. It’s not about overthinking the trip, it’s about making sure a flat tyre, breakdown or wrong turn doesn’t turn into a much bigger problem.
Because out here, it’s usually the small things people overlook that cause the biggest headaches.
So, to find out how to best protect yourself if you break down somewhere remote, we spoke to Carla Fitzpatrick from 24/7 Roadservices about how to protect yourself when conditions change quickly.
The mistakes people keep making
It’s often not the big, dramatic stuff that causes problems, it’s the small things people assume will be fine.
“Underestimating distances and fuel needs, failing to check road conditions and not carrying enough water or emergency supplies are frequent errors,” Carla said.
Remote travel has a way of stretching everything out. Distances are longer, stops are fewer and that quick detour for fuel or supplies isn’t always an option.
Add a caravan or motorhome into the mix, and there’s even less room for error.
“Plan your route carefully, carry extra water and fuel, check weather and road conditions, and ensure your caravan or trailer is properly loaded and secured,” Carla said.
“Let someone know your travel plans and don’t push your vehicle or caravan beyond its limits.”
With the added weight and strain of towing, especially on long hauls or rough roads, even minor oversights can snowball into much bigger issues.
When things go wrong, they’re rarely simple
Even if you’ve done everything right, breakdowns can still happen and in remote areas, they’re a completely different experience.
“In remote areas, help is often far away and towing a caravan or motorhome adds complexity,” Carla said.
“You can’t rely on quick mechanic access and high temperatures or long distances to fuel stops make every breakdown more challenging.”
What might be a quick fix in town can turn into a drawn-out situation once you’re off-grid. Distance, heat and limited access to services all work against you.
Flat batteries, tyre issues, overheating engines, brake problems and fuel faults are some of the most common culprits and they tend to hit harder when you’re far from help and pushing your vehicle over long stretches.
It’s not just your vehicle at risk
It’s easy to focus on the car, but the real risks often go beyond what’s under the bonnet.
“Dehydration, sun exposure, heat exhaustion and running out of fuel are major risks,” Carla said.
“For those towing, forgetting to secure the caravan properly or misjudging weight limits can create additional safety hazards.”
What starts as a delay can escalate quickly when you’re dealing with heat, distance and limited resources.
And despite that, many travellers still underestimate the conditions.
“Remote areas feel quiet and safe and many assume help is nearby,” Carla said.
“Motorhome and caravan drivers sometimes overestimate their vehicle’s capabilities or underestimate the impact of towing on fuel, braking and handling.”
It’s that sense of “she’ll be right” that tends to catch people off guard.
What to do if you break down
If something does go wrong, knowing what to do in the moment matters.
“Stay with your vehicle, it’s easier to spot than walking,” Carla said.
“Ensure everyone is safe, move off the road if possible, turn on hazard lights and then contact your roadside assistance provider with clear details about your location and setup.”
And if the situation becomes serious:
“Call 000 for immediate threats to life, serious injury, environmental danger or accidents. Roadside assistance is your first call for mechanical faults, battery issues, tyre problems, or towing needs.”
If you’re already a CMCA member, it’s worth taking advantage of the exclusive roadside assistance offer with 24/7 Roadservices — a simple way to add an extra layer of support before you head off.
