Before going on a road trip, you should make sure your car is in good shape. If you don’t, you’re increasing the risk of getting stranded somewhere because of a car malfunction or breakdown.
If your car is due (or will soon be due) for maintenance, get that maintenance done. If anything is broken or malfunctioning, get it fixed.
You should also do the following:
- Check tire pressures and inflate to the recommended value. Recommended tire pressures are listed inside the driver’s door.
- Check tire tread depth, and get new tires if needed. This is especially important if you are likely to drive through snow or rain. Keep in mind that even if there’s no snow where you are, there might still be snow at higher elevations in the mountains.
- Check and top off all fluids – especially engine oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid.
- Check your wipers and make sure they work properly. If they are tearing apart, or leaving streaks on your windshield, get them replaced.
- Check your brakes – are the pads too thin? Are the rotors warped? Get that fixed before you embark on your trip.
- Ensure all your lights work. That means both headlights (high and low beams), all marker lights, all turn signals, brake lights and back up lights. Also ensure the interior cabin lights and dash illumination lights work.
- Wash your car windows inside and out. You’ll be safer on the road when you have a clear view, and you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery more. Also wash all external lights on the car, especially headlights – that will improve visibility for you and for other cars on the road.