Road Trip Vehicle Checklist: How to Get Your Car Ready for Summer Travel

The open road is calling, and your next adventure awaits! Whether you're planning a cross-country trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation, proper vehicle preparation can make the difference between a smooth ride and an unexpected detour.

For decades, Sullivan Tire and Auto Service has helped drivers prepare their vehicles for road trips, summer travel, business trips, and everyday driving. Use this road trip readiness guide to help make sure your car is ready before you hit the road.

1. Check Your Tires Before a Road Trip

Your tires are where the rubber meets the road, making them one of the most important parts of your vehicle to inspect before any trip. Before you load up the car, take a close look at your tire condition.

Check for uneven tire wear, cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or embedded objects like nails or screws. If anything looks unusual, have your tires inspected by a professional before traveling.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth

Tread depth is important for maintaining traction, especially if you run into rain, wet roads, or changing weather conditions during your trip. The penny test is a quick way to check your tire tread. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it may be time for new tires.

2. Don’t Forget to Inspect Your Spare Tire

Nothing disrupts a road trip quite like a flat tire with no backup plan. Before departing, locate your spare tire and verify that it is properly inflated. Check your owner's manual for the correct tire pressure specifications.

You should also make sure your jack and lug wrench are present and functional. If your vehicle uses a temporary spare, often called a “donut,” remember that these tires are designed for short distances at reduced speeds. For longer trips, consider speaking with a tire professional about your best backup options.

3. Check Engine Fluids Before You Travel

Your vehicle’s fluids help keep everything running smoothly, especially during long drives, hot weather, heavy loads, or mountain travel. Before your road trip, check your oil level and oil condition. Fresh oil can help your engine handle the demands of highway driving and temperature changes.

Coolant is also important, particularly if you're traveling through hot climates or areas where your engine will work harder. Brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid should also be checked and topped off as needed.

4. Test Your Battery and Electrical System

A dead battery can quickly turn a road trip into a roadside headache. Have your battery tested before any major trip, especially if it is more than three years old or if you've noticed slow engine cranking.

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect battery performance. Before you leave, check that your headlights, taillights, brake lights, hazard lights, and turn signals are all working properly. For longer trips, you may also want to pack spare bulbs or other basic emergency supplies.

5. Have Your Brakes Inspected

Your braking system works harder during long trips, especially when your vehicle is carrying extra cargo, traveling at highway speeds, or navigating hilly terrain.

Before your trip, listen for unusual noises when braking, feel for vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal, and pay attention to how your vehicle stops. Any changes in braking performance should be checked before departure.

Brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid all play an important role in stopping power. If you're due for brake service or notice any warning signs, it’s best to address the issue before your trip.

6. Test Your Air Conditioning and Climate Control

Comfort during a road trip is about more than convenience. A comfortable cabin can help with driver alertness and passenger comfort, especially during summer travel.

Test your air conditioning system well before departure, not when you're already on the road in hot weather. If your AC is not cooling effectively, you may need refrigerant or there may be a larger issue that requires professional attention.

Don’t forget about your cabin air filter. A clogged cabin air filter can reduce airflow and make your AC system work harder, which can affect comfort during long drives.

7. Pack a Road Trip Emergency Kit

Even with proper vehicle maintenance, it’s always smart to prepare for the unexpected. A basic road trip emergency kit can help keep you safer and more comfortable if you experience a delay or roadside issue.

Consider packing:

• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Extra water
• Tire pressure gauge
• Portable phone charger or power bank
• Emergency contact information
• Basic roadside safety items

8. Schedule a Professional Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

While many road trip preparation tasks can be handled at home, nothing replaces the trained eye of an experienced technician. A professional pre-trip inspection can help identify potential issues before they become roadside emergencies.

At Sullivan Tire and Auto Service, our team can inspect your tires, brakes, battery, fluids, belts, hoses, and more. If we find any concerns, we’ll review them with you and help coordinate a plan so you can travel with more confidence.

Schedule your pre-trip vehicle inspection before your next road trip to help make sure your car is ready for the miles ahead.

Start Your Road Trip With Confidence

Road trip readiness isn’t just about reaching your destination. It’s about making sure your journey is smooth, comfortable, and memorable for all the right reasons. Proper vehicle maintenance before a road trip helps you focus on making memories instead of dealing with mechanical problems.

Don’t let vehicle problems cut your next adventure short. Visit Sullivan Tire and Auto Service to schedule your pre-trip service, browse current promotions, or learn more about how we can help you travel with confidence.

We're Always Here To Get You There®