How to Get Your Car Road Trip Ready: A Checklist

Check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid before departure. Look beneath the vehicle for leaks, and schedule service if warning lights are illuminated or if you notice unusual sounds, odors, or vibrations.

Measure tire pressure when the tires are cold and adjust it to the specification on the driver-side doorjamb—not the maximum printed on the tire. Inspect tread depth, sidewalls, and the spare tire, then have the brakes checked if they squeal, pulse, or feel slow to respond.

Confirm that the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and license plate lights work. Clean the windshield, replace streaking wiper blades, and inspect the battery terminals for corrosion; a battery approaching three to five years old may also benefit from a load test.

Carry jumper cables or a compatible jump starter, a tire inflator, pressure gauge, flashlight, first-aid kit, drinking water, and reflective warning devices. Verify that the jack, lug wrench, wheel-lock key, and spare tire are present and compatible with your vehicle.

Check the listed dimensions for pack roadside and emergency supplies against the available vehicle space before use.

Secure luggage so it cannot shift during sudden braking, and keep frequently used items within safe reach. Download offline maps, review fuel or charging stops, and read the complete car road trip preparation guide before leaving.

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