We all get stuck somewhere in our lives. Sometimes all you need is a break and a long road to get back on track.

That’s why road trips are so popular among today’s workers who want a quick but relaxing getaway.

Weather, people, roads, and favorite places are just a few of the reasons why you can hop in your car and head out on the road!

However, all of your good intentions will be wasted if you don’t have a car that you can rely on. You also need to make sure your car has enough room for your friends and family, your luggage, and everything you need for your trip.

So, in this post, you will learn how to create a checklist of everything you need to do to prepare your car for a road trip!

How to get your car ready for a road trip?

Below are the top tips to prepare your car for your next trip:

Check your car’s fluid levels

When you’re getting ready for a long journey, make sure you check all of your vehicle’s essential fluids, including Engine oil, Brake fluid, Power steering fluid, Coolant, and Transmission fluid.

However, if they are low or non-existent, take your vehicle to your local auto shop for a thorough inspection and repairs. If there aren’t any leaks, make sure to fill up some of your car’s fluids at home (e.g., check coolant levels).

In addition, you must use only products that meet the owner’s manual requirements when adding fluids. This is because newer models have sealed automatic transmissions with no dipsticks, as well as the possibility of fluid-free electric power steering.

Organize and add extra space

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right car for a long-distance or short-distance journey.

However, smaller cars tend to be better at holding gear, getting better fuel economy, and parking. 

If you plan on sleeping in the van, a hatchback or wagon might be a better choice. A large Sprinter van offers plenty of space, room, and headroom, but it’s rear-wheel drive so it’s not great for driving on ice, snow, or mud.

Generally speaking, a small SUV offers the best balance. On rocky roads, though, you really ought to think about getting a four-wheel or all-wheel drive car.  This provides more opportunities for off-roading and camping and balances storage, fuel economy, and ease of use.

Check tyres and pressure

Make sure to check the tread depth and the air pressure during the summer months. You don’t want to drive on slippery, wet roads without treads.

Fill the tire with air if needed, but don’t over-inflate. That’s why it’s important to check the manual for the recommended air pressure and make sure you have all the necessary tools and parts to replace a flat tire. 

In addition, check all four tires as well as the spare tire for any signs of damage, such as scratches, cuts, or holes in the sidewall. For a tire check hack, place a quarter of a centimeter into the tread to check the tread. If you look at George Washington’s head, it’s time to get new tires.

Check all the lights in your car

Every single light in your vehicle should be tested. This includes but is not limited to brake lights, headlights, fog lights, high beams, and direction lights. Switch the lights on and check to make sure all the bulbs work. Try the brake lights with your friend and make sure they both work. If the bulbs burn out, replace them.

However, you should replace your windshield wipers every six months. You should also check your vehicle’s air conditioning and horn. If your AC unit is not producing as much cool air as it used to, pay extra attention.

However, if your air conditioner doesn’t work as well as it should, you might want to consider hiring a mechanic to take care of it, especially during the warmer months.

Make sure the air filters work

The air filters in your car are responsible for keeping dust, dirt, and grime from entering your engine and the interior of your vehicle. Therefore, it is recommended to change your car’s cabin and engine air filters every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or once every 12,000 – 15,000 miles.

These filters are cheap and easy to replace, but they should be changed if needed. If your car’s AC isn’t working, take it for a spin and get the cabin filter checked and replaced.

However, if your air filters are blocked, it can hurt your engine’s performance, fuel efficiency, and indoor air quality.

Clean your car’s cabin

Cleaning your car’s interior is one of the most important things you can do before going on a road trip to avoid any nasty surprises. To make sure you get the most out of your ride, pay particular attention to places that are used a lot, such as the seats, the floor mats, the storage compartments, and the dashboard controls.

Keep your cupholders clean and free of dirt and grime so you don’t have to worry about spills. It’s also important to clean the trunk so that your luggage and souvenirs don’t get damaged. 

Lastly, don’t forget to wash the outside of your car. Bugs and bird poop can damage the paint.

Smoothen your brakes

If you’re planning a trip, it’s important to make sure your car’s brakes are in tip-top shape. They should be in good condition with no signs of wear and tear. By doing so, you will be able to prevent any problems that may arise during your journey.

On top of that, road trips involve long distances in different terrain and weather conditions which can put a lot of stress on your brakes.

Carry emergency signs

Roadside emergency kits are a must-have for any road trip. Make sure your list includes:

• First-aid supplies

   

• Water

   

• A flashlight

   

• Snacks

   

• A phone charger

   

• Emergency flares

   

• A basic tool kit

   

For better visibility, drivers should use four-way flashers and wear reflective gear. They should also carry emergency triangles that have a reflective side that faces oncoming traffic.

Within 10 minutes after stopping, drivers are required to have three emergency triangles on hand and to store them in the side box of the vehicle.

Depending on the situation, triangle placements are configured to allow oncoming traffic to view a truck from a safe distance while allowing lane changes or deceleration.

Start your road trip!

That’s why, as mentioned earlier, car maintenance is essential for a great trip. Before you hit the road, your focus helps avoid problems that could spoil your trip.

Whether you have been traveling for decades or are embarking on your first road trip, taking into account the tips above will guarantee a stress-free journey.

However, you also need to inspect all your vehicle documents, including your driver’s license and pollution tests, and make sure everything is covered under a proper insurance policy.