A breakdown on a highway 200 miles from home is stressful, expensive, and almost always preventable. Spending 30 minutes inspecting your car before a road trip is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy.
Under the Hood
Check your oil level — if you're within 1,000 miles of your next oil change, do it before you leave. Inspect coolant level and look for any leaks. Check brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top off anything that's low. Examine belts and hoses for cracks, fraying, or soft spots. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested.
Tires and Brakes
Check tire pressure on all four tires plus the spare — use the number on your door jamb, not the tire sidewall. Inspect tread depth with the penny test: insert a penny head-first into the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tires need replacing before the trip. Listen for brake squealing during your next drive and check pad thickness if possible.
Lights and Wipers
Walk around the car and test every light: headlights (low and high beam), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Replace any burnt-out bulbs. If your wiper blades streak or skip, replace them — you don't want to discover bad wipers in a downpour at night.
Emergency Kit
Pack a flashlight, jumper cables, basic first-aid kit, phone charger, water, and a blanket. If you're traveling in winter or remote areas, add tire chains, a small shovel, and extra warm clothing. Keep your roadside assistance number easily accessible.
Before any long trip, it's smart to check if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls. Use our free VIN lookup to verify, and log your pre-trip inspection in your garage for peace of mind.