Road Trip Preparation

Summer months are perfect for a fun road trip, but that fun can get ruined quickly if you are not prepared.  I am planning a driving vacation in the coming months, so I thought I would share my road trip preparation recommendation.

If you are following my exploits, you know that I like the details.  My preparation may be over the top, but if you follow them you will avoid (or minimize) any hazards on the road.  I break down my prep into two categories:  vehicle readiness and recommended tools

Vehicle Road Trip Readiness

This may seem obvious, but I don’t recommend starting on a long trip without added readiness steps.  My upcoming trip will be around a 1,600 mile run.  For that, I am not going to trust everything is fine–even for a newer vehicle.

Listed below are the items to check or repair before a driving vacation:

• Check engine oil level.  If your scheduled oil change is due during your trip, change the oil before you leave.
• Check coolant level.  Don’t risk an overheat condition–especially if you are mountain driving.
• Check windshield washer solvent.  Keep the road ahead clear!
• Check brake fluid level.  This is rarely an issue, but low fluid might indicate a leak or excessive brake pad wear.  Add fluid, then recheck the level after a short city drive.
• Set tire pressure to the recommended pressures. Remember to check the spare tire for correct pressure.  If you don’t have a spare tire (vehicles with runflat tires don’t come with spares), get one.  I happen to have an extra wheel and tire for just this reason.
• Check headlight, taillight, and turn signal function.
• Wash and wax the entire car.  A fresh wax will ease the pain of washing dead bugs off the hood and front bumper.

Related:  Car Care Basics

Tools To Pack For Your Road Trip

I like to carry a small tool bag with essential tools.  I’m not looking to conduct vehicle maintenance on a trip, but rather be prepared for an incident while on the road.  My collection of road trip tools is shown above and detailed below.

• Duct tape: It’s the universal force that keeps things in place.  If you run into (or over) something. Duct tape will help keep a failed part in place until permanent repairs can be conducted.
• Zip ties:  Like duct tape, zip ties can be used to keep loose parts in place.  Both duct tape and zip ties are great for fixing squeaks and rattles, too!
• Pliers:   Something need tightening? Pliers (and locking/vice grip pliers) do the trick.
• Cutters:  This can be a utility knife or something that looks like pliers with a blade (like I have in the picture above).  This is great for cutting your zip ties or anything that is hanging low and can be sacrificed.
• Inflator:  I have a rechargeable tire inflator that can also charge a cell phone.  My kids all have one in their cars, and now I do too!  I paid about $40 for mine, but now I see that it’s $17 on Amazon!
• Flashlight:  Things can go wrong in the dark, so be prepared with a flashlight.  I have a rechargeable one with a magnetic base.
• Gloves:  Need I say more?
• Screwdrivers: Bring a phillips head and flathead.  You will be able to fix almost anything that is loose or needs to be replaced.
• Hammer:  When all else fails, bang on it!
• Glass cleaner.  I like to keep my windshield clean while driving.  Bugs and other road schmutz come clean with a good glass cleaner. My favorite is Sprayway Glass Cleaner, available just about everywhere that sells cleaners. I got mine at Menards, but Home Depot, etc. carries it.
• Paper towel.  You need something to wipe that glass cleaner away, plus you know you will get a spill in the car while driving.

Related:  Automotive Tool Essentials

Final Thoughts & Questions

I have followed these tips and processes for decades.  I watched my dad prepare for family trips in the 1970s when a breakdown was almost a certainty.  Today’s cars are generally more reliable, but why risk something that may ruin your vacation?

Do you have a tip that I missed?  Add it in the comments section below.