Auto Basics

What to Check Before a Long Road Trip

Updated Jun 27, 2024 5 min read
Driver inspecting under the hood of a car parked in a driveway before a road trip

In This Article

Key Takeaways

  • Tires, fluids, and brakes are the three areas most likely to cause trouble on a long drive.
  • Most checks require no tools and take only a few minutes each.
  • Catching a small problem at home is far cheaper and safer than dealing with one on the road.
  • Pack an emergency kit before every long trip — it takes five minutes and can make a real difference.
  • If your check-engine light is on, have a mechanic look at it before you leave.
30–60 min

Summary

18 items · 30–60 minutes

Why a Pre-Trip Check Actually Matters

Most breakdowns on long drives aren't random bad luck — they're the result of a small problem that was easy to spot and easy to fix before the trip began. Tires slowly losing pressure, low coolant, a brake pad that's nearly worn through: these things don't announce themselves until you're three hours from home.

A pre-trip inspection doesn't require mechanical knowledge. It's mostly a matter of looking carefully at a handful of things your car relies on every mile. Work through this checklist the day before you leave so you have time to address anything that needs attention. For more on staying ahead of problems year-round, see our seasonal car maintenance guide.

Tires

Check tire pressure on all four tires — including the spare — using a pressure gauge; match the number printed on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not the number on the tire sidewall. Must
Inspect each tire's tread depth by placing a quarter into a tread groove with Washington's head pointing down; if you can see the top of his head, the tread is too low for highway driving. Must
Look over the tire sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or anything embedded in the rubber such as nails or glass. Must
Confirm the spare tire is properly inflated and that the jack and lug wrench are accessible in the trunk. Should

Fluids

Check the engine oil level using the dipstick — wipe it clean, reinsert, pull it out again, and confirm the oil sits between the min and max marks. Must
Check the coolant level in the translucent reservoir under the hood; only open the radiator cap when the engine is fully cold. Must
Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir and top it off if it's low — highway driving burns through washer fluid quickly. Should
Verify brake fluid and power steering fluid are within their marked ranges on their respective reservoirs. Should

Lights and Visibility

Test all exterior lights — headlights (low and high beam), brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights — by walking around the car while a passenger operates them. Must
Clean the windshield inside and out; a dirty windshield causes significant glare, especially when driving into low sun. Should
Check your wiper blades by running them with washer fluid; replace any that streak, skip, or squeak. Should

Brakes and Belts

Listen for any squealing, grinding, or pulling to one side when you apply the brakes during a slow test drive in your neighborhood. Must
If brakes feel spongy or the pedal sinks lower than usual, have a qualified mechanic inspect them before you leave — do not skip this step. Must
Visually inspect accessible belts under the hood for cracking or fraying; if your vehicle uses a timing belt and it's approaching the mileage interval in your owner's manual, schedule service before the trip. Should

Dashboard and Electronics

Start the car and confirm no warning lights remain on after the initial startup sequence — any persistent light warrants investigation before a long drive. Must
Test the air conditioning and heat to make sure both work reliably, especially if weather on your route could be extreme. Should
Charge your phone and confirm your navigation app or GPS is updated and functional. Nice to have

What to Bring With You

Even a perfectly maintained car can run into trouble. Carrying the right gear means a flat tire or dead battery doesn't strand you. The items below don't take up much space and most cost very little.

Required

Tire pressure gauge

Used to check that all tires, including the spare, are inflated to the correct pressure before departure.

Required

Flashlight

Helps you see clearly when inspecting under the hood or checking tires in low light.

Required

Jumper cables or jump starter pack

Allows you to restart the car if the battery dies on the road.

Required

Reflective road triangles or flares

Alerts other drivers if you need to stop on the shoulder of a highway.

Required

Basic first aid kit

Covers minor injuries while you wait for roadside assistance.

Optional

Blanket and water

Provides basic comfort if you're stranded in cold weather or a remote area.

Don't Rely Solely on Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance plans are useful, but response times on remote highways can run several hours. Cell coverage also isn't guaranteed in rural or mountainous areas. Carrying basic supplies and knowing how to change a tire gives you options when a plan isn't enough.

For a more detailed breakdown of safety and driving habits that apply beyond a single trip, the Driving & Safety hub is a good place to start.

Auto Basics Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

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