A Pro Guide to Prepping For a Road Trip (Beyond Just the Basics)

From unexpected detours to impromptu naps in the backseat, your car plays a starring role in your road trip adventure. Here’s how to get it road-trip ready.

You might think your car’s only job on a road trip is to haul you from one scenic selfie spot to the next. But spend a few days on the road and it quickly becomes clear that your car is your home on wheels. It’s your sanctuary after elbowing through tourists at an overly crowded National Park. It’s your emergency hotel when a rogue gust of wind turns your tent into a kite. And yes, it’s your getaway pod when you impulsively decide that a museum dedicated entirely to antlers is absolutely worth the detour (speaking from experience here).

Your car’s going to keep you safe and sane during your great adventure. So the least you can do is make sure it’s ready for the ride (and no, just topping off the oil doesn’t count). Here is a full list on how to prep like a pro for your next roadtrip.

What Should I Do Before a Road Trip?: True Vehicle Readiness

When most people think about preparing for a road trip, they might consider the essentials: fill the tank, check the oil, maybe glance at the tire pressure. But if you want to travel with confidence, especially on longer journeys or through remote areas, you’ll need more than that:

The Comprehensive Fluid Check-Up

Don’t just check your oil level. Take a moment to inspect all your car’s vital fluids or bring your car in to have everything checked:

Engine oil: Not just the level, but the color and consistency.
Transmission fluid: Often overlooked but crucial.
Brake fluid: Your stopping power depends on it.
Power steering fluid: Makes those mountain curves manageable.
Coolant/antifreeze: Particularly important for extreme temperatures.
Windshield washer fluid: You'd be surprised how quickly you can go through this.

Some of these things may sound overly basic, like windshield washer fluid. But you have no idea how many bugs splatter across your windshield during an eight hour drive. You’ll be very thankful that you topped off that fluid before you left, so don’t write off the basics.

How to Check The Quality of Your Tires

Your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. If your tires aren’t ready, you don’t have a roadtrip. Beyond just checking pressure:

Inspect the tread depth (the penny test works, but a proper gauge is better).
Look for uneven wear patterns (could indicate alignment issues).
Check the sidewalls for cracks or bulges.
Don't forget your spare tire. Is it properly inflated and in good condition?
Consider your route, will you need special tires for snow, mud, or other conditions?
Pack a tire pressure gauge. Gas stations in more remote areas won't have an automatic filling station. You'll have to fill and measure air pressure manually.

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How to Check the Electrical System in Your Car

A dead battery or faulty alternator can totally derail your adventure:

Test your battery's voltage (12.6V is ideal when the car is off).
Clean corrosion from battery terminals.
Check all lights—headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards.
Test your horn and wipers.
Make sure all dashboard warning lights work and none stay on after startup.

How to Prepare for a Road Trip: The Pro’s Essential Toolkit

It’s not about avoiding issues (because any good travel story has some minor hiccups). But it is definitely about being prepared for those issues so they don’t ruin your trip. Here are some essential items to pack:

Jumper cables or portable jump starter.
Tire pressure gauge and portable air compressor.
Extra fuses (check your owner's manual for the types you need).
Zip ties (temporary fixes for many issues).
Flashlight with extra batteries.
Reflective warning triangles or flares.
Multi-tool with knife.
Work gloves (nobody wants dirty hands at a rest stop with limited washing facilities).
Pack snacks and gallons of water, just in case you get stuck in traffic or unexpected stops for long periods of time (speaking from experience here).
Sunglasses. You'll be surprised by how strong the sun's glare can be on the road, even during the winter or more gloomy days.
Sunscreen. Car windows may stop bullets in action movies but they are totally useless against UV rays in real life. Avoid a "driver's tan" by applying some sunscreen ahead of time.

The Often Forgotten Comfort Items: How Do I Prepare Myself for a Road Trip?

Again, your car is your home during a road trip. Although these items won’t keep your car running, they’ll make your temporary home and journey a lot more comfortable:

Figure out a way to keep trash organized during the drive.
Set up a device charging area.
Clean your car before leaving (you're living in this space).
Download podcasts and playlists ahead of time so you're not dependant on internet connection for entertainment.
Pack extra blankets and even a pillow just in case you need an unexpected nap in your car.
Organize all the items you'll need easy access to so that they are located within reaching distance while driving (trying to grab snacks from the backseat while going 90 mph on the highway is a bad scene).

Preparing for Emergencies: The Pro’s Insurance Policy

Hoping for the best is great and all but preparing for challenges is better:

Emergency contact information written down (not just in your phone).
Download offline maps to your navigation apps. This way, you won’t be dependent on internet connection for navigation, especially in more remote areas.
First aid kit.
Emergency blankets.
Roadside assistance memberships cards. This is a big one. Most of the emergencies you may face could be taken care of more easily with roadside assistance.

Final Pro Tip: Do a Mini Trial Run Before Officially Leaving

Pack all your bags and load up your car a few days to a week before leaving. This will ensure that you’ve tried out your set-up and you have everything that you need.

Once your car is packed, drive to the local mall or the next neighborhood over and just test all your car’s functions. Do the windshield wipers wipe? Are your turn signals working? Your brakes aren’t squeaky?

This mini trial run just gives you an added peace of mind that everything is in order before you officially start your adventure. And having a mini-trial before you actually leave gives you a few days to take care of anything you may discover you need to update before your official trip.

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