How To Be Sure Your Car Is Roadtrip Ready

Don’t head out onto the open road without taking a few precautionary steps to ensure your ride is as safe and smooth as possible.

First, use your head and do a thorough check. If your car is showing any warning lights on your dash or if you know you’re due for an oil change, get those things taken care of. If you know something minor needs replacing (like your windshield wipers), take care of that as well.

If your tires are not at the proper recommend pressure, inflate them before you depart. You also want to ensure your tires are up to the task, balanced and not worn unevenly.

It may seem silly, but you’ll also want to ensure all your lights are working properly, including the interior lights. Ask a friend to help you check the brake lights and your turn signals.

If you do take your car in for an oil change or any maintenance, tell a trusted mechanic about your plans and ask them to check your coolant and air filter.

After you’ve checked the entirety of your car for any noticeable issues, pack emergency supplies in your trunk, just in case. Double check your spare tire is filled with air and in good condition. Your emergency kit should not only include standard first aid supplies and an emergency blanket, but also a car jack and jumper cables. It’s also smart to pack a few extras in your glove box, just in case, including a physical map, extra cellphone charger, an extra copy of your insurance and registration and a flashlight with extra batteries.

If you currently do not have access to a roadside assistance program, consider the perks of getting one. Sometimes you will receive complimentary roadside assistance when you buy a new vehicle, but that’s not the case with older cars. Roadside assistance can help with towing, or even just changing a tire, if you don’t feel your maintenance skills are up to snuff.