Necessities a Car Needs Before Taking Road Trip

Summer is coming, and it's time to get ready for the family road trip. You've planned out your route, reserved hotel rooms and campsites, and arranged to board your dogs. You have one more important task to complete: preparing your car for the long road ahead.

The success of your road trip naturally depends on your vehicle, so it makes no sense to carefully plan all the other details but overlook your car. Many people have experienced a car issue while on a trip. If you are one of them, you don't want to repeat the experience.

Car Services

You should make sure that your car has been properly serviced and checked before you hit the road. A breakdown hundreds of miles from home can be a disaster. It can take days to get your vehicle running again, and you'll have to depend on unknown mechanics and car service providers. The cost can be prohibitive. The delay would be excruciating. Instead of risking disaster, check off the following items before you leave the city limits.

Oil Change

Failure to get regular oil changes can seriously harm your engine. If your car is anywhere close to needing its next oil change, have technicians do it before you start your trip. Or, you can do it yourself. Just make sure your oil is full and clean.

Once you've gone, it's easy to forget all about car maintenance and even ignore the check oil light. And if you realize it needs doing while you are on the road, you'll have to take it to someone you do not know.

If your oil was changed quite recently, check the level. You want the oil full before you begin your drive. And to be safe, pack an extra quart in your car's trunk. You'll be able to top off the oil whenever you need to no matter where you are.

Check Tires

Your tires should be properly inflated when you begin your trip, and you'll need to check them regularly during your long drive. Your tires may need more attention than that, though. Take a good look at the tread on all of your tires. Look for excess and uneven wear. Check the depth of the tread. Look over your spare for potential problems. If your tires show much wear, it may be time to replace them. Starting a trip on new tires will give you a sense of security.

Top Off Other Fluids

Summertime driving usually means dealing with hot weather. Your coolant needs to be fresh and full to prevent the engine from overheating. Also, check the brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. If you suspect a leak, have your mechanic check over your car. Make certain your windshield fluid is full and flowing freely. And it never hurts to have some extra coolant in the car.

Inspect the Battery

You may have a batter tester at home, or you can run your vehicle by an auto parts store for a free check. If corrosion is present on the cables, you can clean it off with a mixture of baking soda, water, and a toothbrush. Keep your jumper cables in good shape and close by.

Light Check

You want to travel safely and not get an out-of-state ticket, so make sure all of your lights are working. You don't want to be pulled over for a broken tail light. More importantly, you don't want to cause an accident because your car isn't clearly visible.

Car Insurance

Check that your auto policy is up-to-date and covers all the people who will be driving on your trip. If you are concerned, talk to your agent about increasing your coverage.

Always keep your insurance card handy or easy to access via your phone. And secure your registration in the car's glovebox or console.

Why Take the Trouble?

You could take off across the country and your car would be fine. Or you could experience car trouble while you are in an isolated area. One vehicle breakdown can cost you days in travel, thousands of dollars in repairs, and severe stress. Your road trip could be ruined. Taking the time to check your car now can save your road trip from disaster.

Preparation is Essential

Road trips are successful when you reach your destination without problem and have time to relax and enjoy yourself. Minor problems will always arise, but an issue with your car easily ruin all of your plans. Having your car serviced and checked doesn't take long and usually doesn't cost you much. Ignoring issues may leave you at the side of the road in unfamiliar territory in blazing heat or in the middle of the night.

Make your road trip a success by taking good care of your vehicle before you hit the road.