5 steps to preparing your vehicle for a road trip

When preparing to set off on a fun-filled road trip, it’s important that your car is in working order. You’ll be relying on your vehicle to support hours of travel, after all, so making sure it’s in tip- -top shape is essential. We looked into five major steps that any future road tripper should take, and we highly suggest reviewing them before hitting the road. Taking this advice will ensure that your car is prepared to host travelers on the way to and from their next destination. 

1. Check your tires

If your tires aren’t ready for long-haul travel, you may as well throw in the towel now. It’s up to your tires to sustain you for several hours on the road, so they must be in excellent condition before you leave. Tires may seem simple, but they actually require quite a bit of maintenance. Tire treads must be checked before long drives, especially if you’re entering a rainy area. Treads that have been worn down will lack friction on wet roads, and this can be dangerous. You should also research the necessary inflation level for your particular vehicle, so you can make sure your tires are neither under or over-inflated. Finally, pack your truck with the supplies needed to change a tire in case of a flat. These tools include a lug wrench, a jack, a wheel wedge, and, of course, gloves. Getting a tire rotation can also be beneficial, as it often makes driving feel safer and steadier. 

2. Verify that your brakes are working 

In terms of safety, brake pads are an essential element in any vehicle. Brake pads, components that use friction to bring cars to a stop, must be in good condition in order for your brakes to function properly. To identify whether it’s time for a brake pad replacement, it is important to look out for a few key signs. Suppose you’re hearing a high-pitched squeal when braking: this often indicates that your brake pads have eroded with time. Excessive vehicle shaking upon deploying brakes also suggests that they aren’t working properly, though this is not necessarily related to brake pads specifically. By listening for unusual noises or other strange behavior, you can stay aware of car problems in need of fixing. 

3. Give your car a good clean 

Because we spend so much time in our cars, there are ample opportunities for them to become messy. Often cluttered with papers, food wrappers, and other scattered items, car interiors can feel extremely chaotic. By taking time to do a thorough cleaning prior to a road trip, you’ll help yourself feel more prepared and organized. It’ll also make packing easier, so you can keep track of where your items are kept. To clean effectively, you can start by removing miscellaneous trash and unneeded objects. After that, remove floor mats and vacuum meticulously in every crevice. Finally, you can run a wet cloth along your dashboard to collect dust and give the car’s exterior a solid scrub. 

4. Check your car’s various fluids 

Cars are finely tuned machines. They may appear to function effortlessly, but they actually rely on several parts that work in tandem. Of these parts, many are fluid-based. Brake fluid, engine oil, and windshield wiper fluid should all be inspected before the start of a big road trip. Each of these should sit at a reasonable level, so you don’t encounter any problems due to insufficient fluid. For the specific measures required for your vehicle, consult the car’s manual. 

5. Pack an emergency kit 

When you’re spending hours at a time on the road, the chance of mishaps only increases. To stay calm and prepared, it’s best to bring supplies that can aid you in case of an emergency. A few of these important items include water bottles, ponchos, jumper cables, and at least one extra phone charger. When prepping for big trips, hope for the best but make preparations in case things take a turn for the worst. 

Shop Transwest for a road trip friendly vehicle 

No amount of checking, cleaning, or packing can make up for a car that just doesn’t work any more. If your current vehicle isn’t fit for a long trip, consider buying your next car at Transwest. Visit a location or scan our online selection today, and we guarantee you’ll find a vehicle that’s road trip ready.