What To Do To Your Vehicle Before You Road Trip
Nothing kills a road trip vibe faster than a breakdown on the side of the highway. A little prep before you leave can mean the difference between smooth cruising and an expensive, stressful detour. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, here’s a detailed, practical guide on what to do to your vehicle before you hit the road.
1. Start With a Basic Inspection (or Pre-Trip Checkup)
Before a long drive, it’s smart to do either a quick inspection yourself or schedule a pre-trip inspection with a trusted shop. A technician can catch small issues before they turn into big problems hundreds of miles from home. Even if your car feels “fine,”" long highway drives put continuous stress on systems that might not show symptoms during short trips.
2. Check and Top Off All Fluids
Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and long trips mean extended run time and higher temperatures.
Engine oil: Make sure it’s clean and at the proper level. If you’re close to your next oil change interval, change it before you leave
Coolant: Proper coolant level and condition are critical for preventing overheating, especially in hot weather or mountain driving
Brake fluid: Low or contaminated brake fluid can affect stopping power, especially during long downhill grades
Transmission fluid: This is often overlooked but extremely important for long highway trips
Power steering and windshield washer fluid: These usually don’t stop a trip, but running low can create unnecessary stress
If any fluid looks dirty, smells burnt, or is leaking, address it before you go
3. Inspect Tires (Including the Spare)
Your tires are the only part of the car that touches the road, so they deserve special attention
Check tire pressure on all four tires and the spare. Adjust pressures to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, not the number on the tire sidewall
Inspect tread depth for uneven wear, bald spots, or cracking
Look for damage like bubbles, cuts, or embedded objects
Don’t forget the spare tire, jack and lug wrench. Many road trips have been derailed by a flat spare
Improperly inflated or worn tires can reduce fuel economy, affect handling, and greatly increase the risk of a blowout at highway speeds.
4. Test Battery and Charging System
A weak battery might start your car at home but fail after a fuel stop or overnight hotel stay.
Check for corrosion on battery terminals
Make sure the battery is securely mounted
If the battery is more than 3-5 years old, consider having it tested
Long trips often mean more electrical use, GPS, phone charges, music, and climate control, so a healthy battery and charging system are essential
5. Inspect Brakes and Suspension
Brakes are critical for safety, especially if your trip includes heavy traffic, mountain roads, or towing.
Listen for squealing or grinding noises
Pay attention to vibrations or pulling when braking
Check for spongy or soft brake pedal feel
Suspension issues like worn shocks, struts, or bushings can cause poor handling, uneven tire wear, and driver fatigue on long drives
6. Check Lights, Wipers, and Visibility
Visibility is often overlooked until it’s too late.
Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights
Replace worn or streaking windshield wipers
Clean the windshield inside and out
Top off washer fluid
If you encounter, rain, fog, or night driving, good visibility becomes a major safety factor.
7. Pay Attention to the Cooling System
Overheating is one of the most common road-trip breakdowns.
Inspect hoses for cracks, swelling, or leaks
Make sure the radiator and cooling fans are functioning properly
Address any temperature gauge fluctuations before leaving
Highway speeds, hot weather, and heavy loads all push the cooling system harder than daily driving.
8. Scan for Warning Lights
If your check engine light or any warning light is on, don’t ignore it before a long trip. Some issues may seem minor around town but can worsen under extended driving conditions. Having the codes scanned before you leave can save you from unexpected issues or reduced performance far from home.
9. Pack an Emergency Kit
Even with a perfectly prepared vehicle, unexpected things can happen. A basic emergency kit should include:
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
Tire inflator and tire repair kit
Flashlight
Basic tools
First aid kit
Water and snacks
Phone charger or power bank
These items can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one.
10. Plan for Comfort and Fuel Efficiency
A road trip isn’t just about the car surviving, it’s about you enjoying the drive.
Adjust the tire pressure and remove unnecessary weight for better fuel economy
Make sure the A/C and heating system are working properly
Listen for unusual noises during a test drive before departure
Small annoyances can feel much bigger after several hours behind the wheel.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your vehicle before a road trip isn’t about being overly cautious, it’s about being smart. Addressing maintenance ahead of time helps ensure safety, reliability, and peace of mind, so you can focus on the journey instead of worrying about what might go wrong. If you’re unsure about any part of your vehicle’s condition, a professional pre-trip inspection is one of the best investments you can make before hitting the open road. Safe travels and happy driving.