Planning a road trip? Whether you’re heading up the coast, through the mountains, or across the desert, one thing’s for sure—your car needs to be ready for the miles ahead. Even the most reliable vehicle can run into trouble if it hasn’t been checked over before a long drive. A little preparation goes a long way in making your trip smoother, safer, and a lot less stressful.
Here’s how to get your car road trip ready without overthinking it.
Start With a General Health Check
Before anything else, you’ll want to give your car a basic once-over—or, better yet, schedule a pre-trip inspection. This should include checking the following:
- Oil and fluid levels
- Tire tread and pressure
- Brake function
- Lights and signals
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid
It’s about confirming that all the essentials are in good shape and functioning properly. If you’ve been putting off any maintenance—like that overdue oil change or that tire rotation—now’s the time to take care of it.
Pay Special Attention to Tires
Your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. Make sure the tread depth is still within safe limits (at least 4/32” for long trips), and check for any uneven wear or sidewall damage. Proper inflation is critical, too—underinflated tires run hotter, wear faster, and can increase the risk of a blowout.
Don’t forget to check your spare tire as well. You may not think you’ll need it, but the middle of nowhere is the wrong time to find out it’s flat or missing.
Check the Battery and Charging System
Hot weather, long drives, and frequent stops can all test your car’s battery and alternator. If your battery is more than three years old, it’s worth having it tested before your trip. A weak battery might work fine now but fail after a few hours of driving with the A/C blasting and the GPS running.
A quick battery test and inspection of the terminals for corrosion can save you a major headache down the road.
Don’t Ignore Your Cooling System
Your engine generates a lot of heat, especially on extended highway drives. If your coolant is low, dirty, or old, your risk of overheating increases—especially in traffic or on hilly terrain.
Have your coolant level and condition checked, and make sure there are no signs of leaks around the radiator, hoses, or water pump. A cooling system failure is one of the most common road trip disasters—and one of the easiest to prevent.
Make Sure You Can See and Be Seen
Clean headlights, working taillights, and streak-free windshield wipers are non-negotiable for safe road trips. Replace any burned-out bulbs and top off your washer fluid. If your wiper blades are leaving streaks or squeaking, it’s time for new ones.
It’s a small detail, but visibility makes a huge difference—especially on long night drives or in unexpected rainstorms.
Top Off and Check Fluids
Besides engine oil and coolant, take a look at:
- Brake fluid: Low fluid could mean worn pads or a leak.
- Transmission fluid: Important for shifting smoothly under load.
- Power steering fluid: Ensures easy steering through long winding roads.
- Windshield washer fluid: Essential for keeping your view clear.
Make sure all fluids are clean and filled to the proper levels. If anything looks or smells off, it’s worth getting it checked out before you hit the highway.
Pack an Emergency Kit—Just in Case
Even with the best prep, surprises happen. That’s why it’s smart to carry a roadside emergency kit with essentials like:
- Jumper cables or a jump starter
- A tire repair kit or portable air compressor
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Bottled water and snacks
- Phone charger and backup power bank
You don’t have to overpack, but having these basics can turn a bad situation into a minor inconvenience.
Oceanworks Berkeley – Pre-Trip Inspections and Auto Care in Berkeley, CA
Getting ready for a long drive? Let the team at Oceanworks Berkeley take the stress out of your road trip prep. Our experienced technicians will inspect your vehicle from bumper to bumper, check all key systems, and make sure everything’s in road-ready condition before you hit the highway.