Road trips are awesome. You get to explore new places, listen to music for hours, and stop at random food spots along the way. But nothing ruins a trip faster than car trouble in the middle of nowhere. Imagine your engine overheating, your tires going flat, or your car refusing to start when you’re miles away from the nearest town. Not fun.

That’s why it’s super important to check your car before hitting the road. A little preparation can save you from breakdowns, expensive repairs, and a lot of stress. Here’s what you should do before your trip to make sure your car is ready for the journey.

Get a Car Service Before You Go

If you haven’t had your car checked in a while, now is the time. A car service makes sure everything is running properly so you don’t end up stranded. A mechanic will look at your brakes, oil, battery, and other important parts to make sure they’re in good shape.

Even if your car seems fine, it’s always better to catch small issues before they turn into big problems – especially when you’re far from home.

Check Your Tires

Your tires keep you on the road, so they need to be in good condition. Driving with worn-out or underinflated tires can be dangerous – you could lose control of the car or even have a blowout at high speeds.

Before your trip, check:

• Tire pressure – Look in your car’s manual or inside the driver’s door for the correct pressure, and add air if needed.
• Tire tread – If the grooves in your tires are too shallow, they won’t grip the road well, especially in rain.
• Spare tire – Make sure you have one and that it’s inflated. If you don’t have a spare, bring a tire repair kit just in case.

If your tires look old, cracked, or bald, replace them before your trip. It’s not worth the risk.

Test Your Battery

A dead battery is one of the most common reasons cars break down, and you don’t want that happening on a road trip. If your car has been slow to start, your battery is probably weak.

To check your battery:

• Look for corrosion (white or green gunk) on the terminals.
• Make sure the connections are tight and secure.
• If your battery is more than 3–5 years old, consider replacing it before your trip.

It’s also a good idea to pack jumper cables just in case. You never know when you (or someone else) might need them.

Check Your Fluids

Your car needs several fluids to run smoothly. Before your trip, make sure they’re all at the right levels.

• Engine oil – This keeps your engine running smoothly. If it’s dirty or low, get an oil change.
• Coolant – This prevents your engine from overheating. Make sure the coolant is topped up and isn’t leaking.
• Brake fluid – Low brake fluid can make your brakes feel weak.
• Transmission fluid – Helps your gears shift properly. If it’s low, your car might have trouble accelerating.
• Windshield washer fluid – You’ll need this if your windshield gets covered in bugs or dirt.

If you’re not sure how to check these, ask a mechanic or watch a quick tutorial online.

Test Your Brakes

Good brakes are crucial for a safe road trip. If your brakes squeak, feel soft, or make a grinding noise, get them checked immediately.

Press the brake pedal while parked – it should feel firm, not spongy. If your car shakes when you brake or takes too long to stop, you might need new brake pads. Don’t take chances with bad brakes.

Make Sure Your Lights Work

Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights all need to work properly for safety. If a bulb is out, replace it before your trip.

Your headlights are especially important if you’re driving at night or through foggy or rainy weather.

Pack Emergency Supplies

Even if you do everything right, things can still go wrong. Be prepared by packing:

• Jumper cables (in case of a dead battery)
• A tire repair kit or spare tire
• A flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench)
• First aid kit
• Bottled water and snacks (in case you get stranded)
• A phone charger and power bank

Having these things can make a huge difference if you run into trouble.

Plan for Fuel Stops

Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere is not fun. Check your route in advance and plan where you’ll stop for fuel. In some areas, gas stations are far apart, so don’t assume you’ll always find one when you need it.

If you’re driving through remote areas, it’s smart to fill up before your tank gets too low.

Keep Your Car Clean and Comfortable

A long drive in a messy car can get annoying really fast. Before you leave, clean out trash, old receipts, and anything you don’t need.

Also, bring:

• A phone holder for navigation
• Tissues or napkins
• A small trash bag
• Sunglasses for glare
• A playlist or audiobooks to keep you entertained

A clean and comfortable car makes a huge difference on long trips.

Final Thoughts

A little preparation can go a long way in making sure your road trip is fun, safe, and stress-free. Getting a car service, checking your tires, battery, fluids, and brakes, and packing some emergency supplies can prevent major problems on the road.

Once your car is ready, all that’s left to do is hit the road and enjoy the adventure!