September 27, 2022
By Matthew Kurek
We love a good road trip. Plus, preparation for a road trip is a time of unabashed excitement and curiosity. What’s going to happen along the way? Where will we stop and spend more time? Which upcoming memories will I be carrying with me after this trip ends? As anticipation builds, it’s important to remain mindful of certain practicalities.
If you and your family or group will be driving to your destination — whether it’s a shorter trip to an outdoor adventure or a long-haul trip across the country, you’ll want to stay prepared for unexpected occurrences. Sometimes, the planning of the destinations allows you to forget about car preparations and maintenance How can you do this? That’s exactly what we’re discussing in this rundown of the 10 best car maintenance tips you should keep in mind when traveling!
Be Sure Your Car is Prepped
Vehicles need certain service requirements to remain in peak form. These services differ from model to model. The easiest way to identify what your car needs is by referring to the service and maintenance portion of your owner’s manual.
So, before you start gobbling up miles on your road trip, make sure your car is up to date on any service requirements. When was the last time you had the motor oil changed? When was the last time you popped into a service center for a routine inspection? These are simple maintenance requirements — yet important ones — as they can determine how your car, van, or truck holds up over the course of a lengthy adventure.
Check Those Tires
One of the most vital considerations to be made before and during a road trip is the state of your tires. A simple pothole or loose nail on the road can halt the entire momentum of your trip.
A couple of basics to consider before venturing off on your expedition are making sure your tires are free of any holes or punctures as well as have sufficient tire pressure. When you begin your trip, a spare tire is a useful asset to bring along. In addition to the spare tire, be sure you have the necessary tools for installing the spare such as a jack.
Bring Along Tools for Unexpected Roadside Stops
If at some point along your trip, you need to pull off to the side of a highway or back road, you’ll want to be sure you have the necessary resources. Simple things such as a flashlight can really come in handy. Jumper cables are another vital tool on the off chance your battery dies somewhere along the way.
Keep an Eye on Dashboard Warning Lights
If you’re racking up thousands of miles, it’s possible a warning light will appear on your dashboard at some point. Be attentive to these symbols, as certain lights will require more immediate attention than others. If you aren’t sure what a light means, you can always refer to your owner’s manual.
Know Where Rest Stops Are Located
It’s always savvy for travelers to understand where important rest areas reside along their upcoming route. These rest areas typically have resources you can use if your car requires any maintenance support, such as air pumps for tires. So, take a peek at a map before you head out and be aware of ideal pit stop opportunities.
Be Prepared for Inclement Weather
While this tip is largely dependent on where and what time of year you’re traveling, you can never be too prepared. If, for example, you’re heading out in the late autumn or winter, bring a windshield scraper, gloves, and other resources in case of a storm.
It’s equally important to make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full, the windshield wipers work effectively, and the tread on your tires haven’t worn too much. In general, you want your vehicle well-prepped for sudden changes in weather.
Have Access to Roadside Assistance
There are numerous forms of roadside assistance you can rely on if your vehicle ends up needing support during a road trip. Whether it be AAA or a 24/7 roadside assistance program that came as part of your car’s warranty, you want to have someone to call if the situation requires it. Related, have your insurance information available. When we’ve had car trouble on road trips, our car insurance representatives have been very helpful in assisting with finding a tow service or other help.
Check To Be Sure All Interior and Exterior Lights Work Properly
Whether it be the cabin light in the front seats or one of your rear headlights, you want to be sure each light is functioning properly. If you plan on traveling at night, these lights are vital for your safety as well as the safety of other drivers. If you notice any electrical hiccups with your vehicle before the trip, be sure to check the battery as it serves as the power source for all electrical functions.
Inspect All Interior Amenities
The touchscreen display, the HVAC controls, the power or manual seats, the charging ports—if these amenities or any other cabin functions are off kilter before leaving for your trip, it can create quite the nuisance. So, scope out your car’s interior from front to back and see if anything needs a repair before departing.
Treat Your Car With Care
Certain road trips may lead to off-roading expeditions or long, high-speed stretches of highway. To help keep your vehicle in peak shape, understand its limits and stay within its capabilities. Treating your vehicle with care can help result in the trip you’ve been dreaming about!
Are you planning a road trip anytime soon?
Matthew Kurek, Stream Companies
Studied at Pennsylvania State University, an automotive enthusiast, traveling enthusiast, copywriter, and creative writer.
