Preparing your car for a road trip can be simple, or very complicated, depending on how you want to approach it. Preparation is one of the most important steps in ensuring that your road trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible. A little prep work before you set out on your journey can make all the difference between having a great time and not being able to enjoy every moment of it.
If you’re looking to hit the road without having to worry about anything during your trip, you’ll want to follow this list of 6 easy steps to prepare your car for a road trip.
1) Check Tires
Tires are arguably one of your car’s most important safety features, so they must be in good shape before you hit the road. You should always keep your tire pressure checked at or near its recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). A low tire is much more likely to blow out and cause an accident. Check tires frequently, including before you go on any long trips. And if your tires appear even slightly low or worn, replace them as soon as possible. Most experts recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of tread wear.
2) Get an Oil Change
Nothing is worse than being stranded in a new city without enough gas to get you home. Keep your trip stress-free by making sure your vehicle is prepared for a long drive. Bring it to an auto shop at least ten days before your departure, so they can check every fluid and tire pressure and ensure that everything is running smoothly. An oil change is particularly important—new oil helps lubricate moving parts, ensuring optimal performance during your trip.
3) Pack Your Essentials
Before you even think about strapping down your luggage, make sure you’ve packed all of your essentials. Don’t forget things like your phone charger, medication, and passport! A good rule of thumb is to add 30 minutes to your estimated drive time—this will give you ample time in case there are any traffic snarls or unforeseen holdups along the way.
You should also pack some extra batteries and gas for your car since you’ll probably use more fuel than usual on a long trip. If you aren’t sure if you have enough, fill it up! There are plenty of services near highway exits where you can quickly get more fuel. These are often much cheaper than filling up at full-service stations.
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4) Learn to Pack Light
Backpacks and suitcases may not be as environmentally friendly as bike trailers or hand-carried luggage, but they do have one big advantage — you can’t overpack. If you try to load too much into your car before embarking on a road trip, chances are good that you’ll end up bringing things home with you. By working at keeping an eye on how much space you’re taking up in your trunk, backseat, etc., you can avoid unnecessary travel weight. Be realistic about what you need; no one needs more than two pairs of shoes for a short weekend jaunt!
5) Pre-Trip Vehicle Maintenance
Making sure your car is in tip-top shape before embarking on any road trip is essential. Depending on how far you’re traveling, it might be worth having your vehicle checked out by a mechanic, even if it feels like nothing’s wrong with it. Doing so can help ensure safe travel—and save you money in case something does go awry down the line. Additionally, keeping up with regular maintenance will help prolong your car’s life and ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible when you hit (or are hit by) heavy traffic or take ill-advised off-ramps.
6) In Case of Accidents
In case of accidents, always get in touch with your insurance company and inform them about what happened. They’ll give you advice on how to proceed, and will usually ask you several questions, so they can determine whether your claim is valid. If you find yourself in an accident and aren’t insured, it can take months before your car is back on the road.
You can also prepare an auto accident attorney if you get involved in one. Be sure to provide them with all evidence you have about who caused your car crash and how it happened. Auto accident attorneys have experienced professionals and will use their expertise to make sure you receive fair compensation from those who damaged your vehicle.
Now that you’ve gotten your car in tip-top shape, it’s time to start packing. Having a solid plan is one of the key components of road trip success. So, before you hit the road, remember to prepare your vehicle with the tips listed.
