Preparing Your Vehicle for a Road Trip

When you take a road trip, your vehicle becomes a space to relax as you enjoy your route. You also rely on your vehicle’s performance and ability to provide a safe journey through whatever conditions you encounter.

Many drivers perform a full vehicle inspection to ensure safety before setting off on a long trip. Here’s a quick guide through a performance and safety check to ensure that your road trip is safe and carefree.

Inside Your Vehicle

To make sure your vehicle is ready for a long drive, your inspection should start with the inner components.

Check the Engine Oil – Review the date of your last oil change – if one is needed soon, do it ahead of your road trip.
Inspect the Battery – Inspect your battery for signs of corrosion on each terminal. Then listen when the car starts – if you hear slow cranking, chances are the battery is almost drained. Car batteries last two to five years on average. Once you hit that mark, have a service drive technician gauge if a replacement is needed.
Examine the Air Filter – The engine needs a supply of clean air to function, so make sure your air filters are clean.
Listen for Engine Noises – Clunks, squeaks, grinding, and other unusual sounds are red flags that mean something is wrong with the vehicle. Unusual noises spell trouble, and you should get your car checked as soon as possible to diagnose the issue.
Check for Leaks – Look at the ground where you park your car if there are signs of leakage.

Your Vehicle Exterior

Drivers catch early issues by inspecting the car exterior, including the components you rely on the most on the road.

Check the Tires – Check your tire pressure and the tread to make sure that they are in good driving condition.
Inspect the Windshield Wipers – Look at your wipers to see if the blades are frayed. Also check your wiper fluid levels and refill if necessary.
Check All Your Lights – Make sure that all your vehicle lights are working, including the headlights, rear lights, brake lights, corner lights, and signal lights. A road trip with a busted light at night is not a fun experience.
The Spare Tire – Check that your spare tire is packed and in the right condition and ready for use if needed.

Check the Auto Emergency Equipment

You need an emergency kit packed and ready in case of an accident. Having the basics such as flashlights, blankets, water, and a jump starter are important if you wind up needing to perform repairs on the road.

In the Driver’s Seat

When you’re on a road trip, how the car performs from the driver’s seat is a top priority. After all, this is where you have the most control and should feel safe.

Check the Brakes – When you step on the brake pedal, listen carefully any sounds that it makes – grinding noises mean worn-out brake pads. Drivers should also be careful if the pedal shudders when pushed, feels spongy, or doesn’t work properly.
Adjust Your Mirrors – Position your mirrors and check for visibility. Your side and rear view mirror should be clear and as clean as possible. They should provide you with a clear view of the road in front of, around, and behind you.
Test the Seatbelts – Test every seatbelt in the car to make sure that they completely secure. Remember that 15,000 lives are saved each year, thanks to seatbelts.
Check the Dashboard Warning Lights – Sit behind the wheel and start the engine. Watch to make sure that no check engine lights come on – if they do, the car should be serviced before driving it anywhere.
Check the Air Conditioning System – Your AC plays a big role in your comfort on a road trip. Reliable performance ensures that you won’t have to keep adjusting the thermostat while driving.

Safety Above All Else

Whether you’re heading two cities over or from coast to coast, your safety during a road trip is a top priority.

The best way to ensure that your vehicle is road-trip ready is to schedule an inspection at your dealership for a comprehensive review. Your dealership service drive will be able to notify you of any issues and make any repairs using manufacturer made parts that will get the job done.

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