Pre‑Holiday Vehicle Electronics Checklist

1. Audio & Communication Check

Your sound system and comms keep everyone happy and safe on long drives – especially with kids, caravans or travelling in a convoy.

Audio system

• Head unit powers up every time and doesn’t randomly reboot.
• Speakers play clearly with no distortion, crackling or cutting out when you turn it up.
• Subwoofer (if fitted) is working and not rattling or buzzing.
• Bluetooth connects quickly and stays connected to your phone.

UHF radio

• Radio powers on and the display is readable.
• Transmit and receive test with a mate or another vehicle.
• Microphone cable isn’t frayed or cutting in and out.
• Antenna is firmly mounted and not damaged.

Phone integration (CarPlay / Android Auto)

• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connects reliably (wired or wireless).
• Maps, music and calls all work without freezing.
• Cables (if used) aren’t loose or intermittent.

2. Safety & Security Check

These are the systems that protect your family, your vehicle and your gear while you’re travelling and when you’re parked up at a holiday park or motel.

Dash camera

• Camera powers up every time you start the car.
• Recording light is on and footage looks clear, day and night.
• Date and time are set correctly.
• SD card isn’t full, corrupted or showing error messages.

Alarm & central locking

• All doors lock and unlock from the remote.
• Alarm arms and disarms properly (no false triggers).
• Remote batteries are fresh and not hit‑and‑miss.

Reverse camera & parking sensors

• Reverse camera image is clear in both daylight and at night.
• No flickering, lines or black screens when you select reverse.
• Parking sensors beep consistently and not at random.

3. Power, Dual Batteries & Touring Gear

If you’re running a fridge, lights or other camping gear, your power system needs to be solid before you leave the driveway.

Dual battery / DC‑DC charger

• System charges correctly while driving (no warning lights).
• Fridge test: run it overnight and make sure the battery voltage doesn’t drop too low.
• All fuses, cables and connections are secure and not corroded.

Anderson plugs & accessory sockets

• Anderson plugs are firm, not loose or melted.
• 12V sockets and USB points charge devices reliably.

Driving lights / light bar

• All LEDs are working – no dead sections or flicker.
• Lights come on with high beam (where legal) and switch off correctly.
• Beam aim is sensible and not blinding oncoming traffic.

Throttle controller

• No error lights or warning messages on the dash.
• Modes change as expected and throttle response feels normal.

4. Towing, Trailer & Caravan Checks

If you’re towing a trailer, camper or caravan, a quick electrical check before you leave can save you from getting pulled over or stuck on the side of the road.

Trailer wiring & lights

• All trailer lights work: indicators, brake lights, tail lights and reverse lights.
• No flickering when you wiggle the plug or cable.
• Plug and socket are clean, not full of dirt or corrosion.

Electric brake controller (if fitted)

• Controller powers up with no fault codes.
• Brakes engage smoothly in a low‑speed test.

Solar & charging (optional but handy)

• Solar panels are charging correctly into your battery system.
• Any portable panels, regulators and cables are in good condition.

When Should You Book?

In the lead‑up to Christmas and school holidays, our workshop in Morayfield fills up fast.

• Mid‑December: We’re usually already heavily booked.
• Week before Christmas: We get flooded with last‑minute emergencies – and we simply can’t fit everyone in.

If this checklist reveals anything that’s not quite right, don’t wait until the week before you go away. Get in touch as early as you can so we can diagnose, quote and repair it properly before your trip.