We all love to go on a road trip every once in a while. This is a great way to escape reality at least for a while.
Whether you are driving a Subaru across some twisty mountain roads or a Ford truck down some lon, deserted highways in Arizona, knowing how to prepare your car for a road trip is the key.
This guide will explore every step of how to prepare your car for road trip. By following the steps, you can drive with confidence and avoid potential breakdowns!
Why Preparing Your Car for a Road Trip Matters
Preparing your car for a road trip is a very important step in the process. This way, you will stay safe, save money and also reduce stress.
For example, long-distance driving wears down the tires, strains the engine, and can expose some hidden issues that you were not aware of before.
This is why you need to prepare your car for a road trip and ensure that your car is functioning at optimal levels to reduce the chances of ending up stranded.
Car Prep Checklist for a Safe and Smooth Journey
Now, let’s cover a small checklist for you to do on your car in order to ensure a safe and smooth journey!
Check Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
The first thing you should start with is your tires. Tires keep you on the road and guarantee your safety.
The first thing you need to check is the condition of the tires. For example, if you drive a large pickup truck like a Ford F-150, you need to ensure that you have enough tread left. Also, ensure that the wear is normal. Abnormal wear can indicate the need for alignment and tire replacement.
Tire pressure is also important, ensuring that the tires are well inflated at the recommended spec. Usually, there is a sticker on the car that tells you how much air you need in your Chevy, Subaru, Ford or Volvo. AWD systems in some Volvos and Subarus rely on the right tire pressure to operate well.
Inspect Fluids and Top Them Off
When it comes to car preparation for a long road trip, a fluid check is mandatory. Checking the oil, coolant, and brake fluid is a must!
- Oil: If it looks dark and thick, it has to be replaced.
- Brake fluid: This fluid should be clear or light yellow.
- Transmission fluid: Usually red or pink; cloudy fluid with metal particles needs attention.
- Coolant: Should be near the “full” line on the expansion tank; add 50/50 coolant if low.
- Windshield washer fluid: Mandatory for long trips because the windshield gets very dirty.
Different brands have different needs. Volvos have special transmission fluid, while Chevy and Ford are much simpler when it comes to servicing.
Test Your Battery
A mandatory step to prepare car for road trip is to inspect the car battery. You need to check for corrosion on the terminals. If there is corrosion, clean them well.
Check the voltage with a multimeter. Ensure that the battery has more than 12.6 volts. This is the normal power when the battery is charged.
Also, unscrew the plastic caps on the battery and check if there is fluid. If the battery is bone dry, add some distilled water.
Brands like BMW have the battery in the trunk which is hard to get. But if you are running a Ford or Chevy, you have easy reach.
Check Brakes and Lights
Brakes are also essential. Ensure that the car stops well and also inspect the pads. Ensure that there is enough meat on them. If not, replace them.
Also, test the lights. Make sure that all of the lights in the rear illuminate well, including headlights, tail lights, and blinkers.
Replace Air and Cabin Filters
A car preparation for long road trip should also include replacing the air and cabin filters.
The air filter gives your engine clean air, while the cabin filter keeps the air inside the car clean. A clean cabin filter is mandatory if you want to breathe clean air.
Air filters often have easy access, especially in new Ford and Chevy models. In some Subaru and Volvo models, you need to remove the glove box to reach the cabin air filter.
Pack a Road Trip Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is also essential; this kit should include the following:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, wrench)
- Tire pressure gauge
- Duct tape
- Reflective triangles or flares
- Blanket and water
In case you prepare car for winter road trip conditions, you will also need gloves, chains, a shovel, a snow brush, and an ice scraper.
Additional Long-Distance Driving Tips
Download or Carry Your Car’s Factory Service Manual
Many ask the question, how to prepare car for road trip and they forget one essential thing. This is the factory service manual.
There is nothing more useful than a factory service owner’s manual if you have a problem on the road. With this powerful tool, you will be able to learn what is causing the problem and how to solve it with ease.
Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection with a Mechanic
Before you embark on a long-distance trip, it is recommended that you schedule a pre-trip inspection with your local mechanic.
The mechanic will check the suspension, belts, fluids, and wheels. This way, you could avoid many of the potential dangers on the road.
Prepare for Weather-Specific Conditions
You need to prepare for winter conditions if you go through snow. So, how to prepare your car for winter road trip?
Easy! Bring snow chains, a shovel, and gloves. This way, you will always be prepared.
For summer, ensure that the A/C functions well. Also, have some extra 50/50 coolant in the trunk, you never know when you will need it.
Keep a Maintenance Record Handy
Also, having a digital copy of your vehicle’s service history is a good idea. Specifically, in case you need some help from a mechanic on the road. With a service record, you will speed up the diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to prepare your car for a road trip is essential in order to avoid some stress and potential surprises.
A car might behave differently on a long-distance trip compared to short trips that we usually do. This way, you need to get the car inspected and carry all the essentials.
Also, don’t forget to carry a factory service manual to troubleshoot problems if some problem appears while you are on the road!