Car Care Tips

Tips to keep your car on the road.

Maintenance November 14, 2022

Preparing Your Car for a Road Trip: Tips for a Stress-Free Adventure

Road trip tips

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic caused a steep decline in air travel, most Americans preferred to road trip instead of fly. While air travel is projected to reach 84% of 2019 levels this year, airline staffing shortages and increased airfares mean that many families are still choosing to take an old-fashioned American road trip instead of a plane ride.

Whether you’re taking a short getaway to the beach or a long cross-country road trip, Virginia Tire & Auto is here to help! Here’s our guide on how to prepare your car for a road trip, plus some road trip tips to please antsy kids and weary parents.

How To Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

Neglecting your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance is a sure-fire way to risk unexpected repairs on the road. So before you pack the car and buckle your seat belts, make sure your vehicle is equipped for the journey.

Pro tip: Set aside time for a pre-trip car inspection a week or two before you hit the road. You don’t want to delay your trip if you need to leave your car at the shop for a couple of days.

Here are a few things you should do:

1. Check Your Tires

Over time, tires gradually lose air pressure. This is why we recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month. You should also check your tire pressure anytime there’s a significant change in temperature.

You can find your tires’ recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. (Do not use the pressure listed on the tire sidewall! That is the maximum amount of pressure that the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure.)

Don’t forget to check the spare! Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and you have all the items you would need in the event of a flat tire (jack, lug wrench, etc).

While you’re checking the tire pressure, visually inspect your tires for punctures, sidewall bulges and other tire damage.

To check the tire tread depth, use the quarter test! Take a quarter and insert it upside down into the grooves on your tire. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, your tires are at or below 4/32” and need to be replaced soon.

2. Prepare Your Emergency Car Kit

Hopefully, you already have an emergency kit stowed in your car at all times. If not, this is the perfect time to get prepared!

At the very least, your Emergency Kit should contain a first aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, basic tools, drinking water and non-perishable food.

Read: Car Emergency Kit Checklist: 13+ Items to Keep in Your Car

3. Test the Windshield Wipers

Rubber windshield wiper blades degrade over time, so they typically need to be replaced every 6 months.

Even if they’re new, it’s a good idea to wipe them down with a damp rag to remove any residue, ensuring a clean swipe.

4. Check the A/C and Heater

No matter if it’s hot or cold outside, you’ll want a working heating and air conditioning system. Test your heater, defroster and air conditioner before you leave to make sure the systems are good condition.

5. Check Your Records

You should always keep a copy of your vehicle’s warranty, insurance, registration and other important documents in your glove box or another secure area.

Before you leave for your trip, make sure you have everything you need and that all your documents are up-to-date.

6. Inspect the Brakes

Brakes are arguably the most important maintenance item on your vehicle. Whether you’re in stop-and-go traffic or a large animal is crossing the road, you need good brakes to keep your family safe.

If your brakes have been squealing, bring your car to your local Virginia Tire & Auto for a free visual brake inspection. We’ll test your brake fluid and measure the brake pads to make sure your brakes are safe to use. (Brake pads need to be replaced when they reach 4/32 of an inch.)

7. Test the Battery

When was the last time you got a new battery? If your battery is more than two years old, we recommend getting it tested before hitting the road.

Also, visually inspect the battery and its terminals to make sure they are securely attached and free of corrosion.

8. Follow the Schedule

Modern cars all have a recommended maintenance schedule created by the vehicle manufacturer. The schedule shows what maintenance services your car will need and how often.

If you’re going to hit a service milestone mid-trip, we recommend taking care of it before you leave town.

Common scheduled maintenance services include an oil change, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt and hose replacement, and fluid exchanges.

This is also a great opportunity to address any illuminated dashboard lights. That pesky light that won’t go away could cause real trouble once you’re out on the freeway.

Read: What All the Symbols on Your Car’s Dashboard Mean

9. Top Off Fluids

Your car relies on several different fluids to operate. For peak performance (and to avoid getting stranded), top off your vehicle’s essential fluids before your trip.

Depending on your vehicle’s condition, you may want to keep an extra quart of engine oil handy in case your oil level gets low.

Windshield washer fluid is easy to find at most convenience stores and grocery stores. Pick up a funnel, too, and you’re in business!

Other fluids (coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and brake fluid) are less likely to need refilling, but it’s a good idea to check them just in case.

10. Get Roadside Assistance

Consider joining a roadside assistance program if you haven’t already and put their emergency contact information in your vehicle. Whether you have a flat tire, dead battery, overheated engine or another mechanical issue, roadside assistance can save the day!

If you’ve come in for service at Virginia Tire & Auto within the last 365 days, you are covered by our complimentary Anytime Roadside Assistance program. If you need roadside assistance, call ToYourRescueTM Roadside Assistance at 1.800.889.5677.

You can take care of most of these items on your own, but if you don’t have time for a DIY, bring your car to Virginia Tire & Auto for service. Our complimentary 25-point inspection will catch most maintenance issues. We can also help with new tire purchases, major repairs and any other automotive service you need.

Road Trip Tips for the Family

If you practice preventative car maintenance and adequately prepare your vehicle, you hopefully won’t experience any unexpected issues during your trip.

But let’s face it, a long road trip is only successful if everyone is happy!  Some would say that if the kiddos aren’t satisfied, you’re no better off than if you were stuck roadside. That’s why our next few tips focus on them.

1. Clean & Organize the Car

Before you head out on the road, take the time to give your car a thorough cleaning—inside and outside. Starting out in a clean car will alleviate stress and keep your car cleaner throughout the trip.

To help keep the backseat kicking and screaming under control, set up the car for success.

Place a plastic shoebox between your children’s car seats and fill it with toys. This eliminates the hassle of reaching behind the seat for dropped action figures and keeps the youngsters occupied with the selection of toys within their reach.

Use plastic tubs, collapsible totes or other storage solutions to keep snacks, chargers, toys, wet wipes and other travel items easy to access. To keep messes at a minimum, find a bag or bin to use as a trash can. (Make sure it’s placed where it won’t tip over!)

2. Bring Activities

These days it’s hard to spend any amount of time in the car without electronics. Make sure you charge any devices before hopping in the car, and then pack up the chargers, too. Nothing passes the time quite like Angry Birds.

Do you have a budding artist in the family? Pack an old diaper wipes case with washable crayons, markers or pencils. Then, take a clipboard with a stack of computer paper and stick the pair in the seat pocket in front of your child.

If you’re planning to listen to any music, podcasts or audiobooks, make sure to download them beforehand in case you lose signal on the drive. Also, it’s a good idea to set up a playlist before you leave to eliminate distractions while driving.

3. Pack Snacks

We know food is often the best entertainment while driving. It’s even better if the food item doesn’t make a mess of your car.

Bringing your own food can also mean you save money when you make stops. Knowing that there are delicious, mess-free snacks in the car might prevent kids from reaching for candy at the gas station.

For healthy on-the-go munching, pack a cooler with snacks like baby carrots, apples, oranges, boiled eggs, nuts and granola bars. And instead of ice packs, consider packing the cooler with frozen water bottles. They do double-duty—they keep the food cool and they keep you hydrated!

4. Plan Stops

Have you ever heard your stomach grumble and then realize you just passed the last food exit for 70 miles? That’s never a good feeling.

Although it takes a little bit of research upfront, planning where you’d like to stop can give you peace of mind as you navigate unknown territories.

Also, plan out how long you’ll be on the road and when you’ll need to switch drivers or stop for the night. A drowsy driver is a dangerous driver.

Ready to Hit the Open Road?

Whether you are trekking across the country or just over the state line, being prepared for a road trip is always essential. Bring your car to Virginia Tire & Auto and we’ll make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Ensuring your brakes are in excellent condition is crucial for a safe and worry-free road trip.  Schedule your visit today and enjoy peace of mind on your upcoming journey.

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