Road trip car checklist

A long drive is hard on a car in ways that daily errands are not: hours at highway speed, a full load, and long stretches between places that can help. Dead batteries and flat tires are among the most common reasons for a roadside call, and both can be checked in the driveway. This checklist is split by when to do each part, so nothing is left for the morning you leave.

A week before

Doing this a week ahead leaves time to fix anything you find.

Tire pressure. Check all four tires when they are cold, and the spare if your car has one. The correct pressure is on the sticker inside the driver's door opening, not on the tire itself.
Tire tread and condition. Put a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is worn to 2/32 of an inch, the legal limit in most states, and the tire needs replacing. AAA recommends replacing tires sooner, at 4/32 of an inch. To check, use a quarter the same way: if you can see the top of Washington's head, start shopping. Look for cracks, bulges and nails while you are there.
Engine oil. Check the level and when the next change is due. If the change would fall during the trip, do it before you go.
Coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid. Top up washer fluid. If coolant or brake fluid is low, have the car looked at, because a low level can point to a leak or worn brake pads.
Battery. Batteries often fail with little warning after three to five years. If yours is in that range or the engine has been slow to start, have it tested. Many parts stores do this for free.
Wiper blades. Replace them if they streak, skip or squeak.
Lights. Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reversing lights. Ask someone to stand behind the car, or back up to a wall and watch the reflection.
Brakes. If you hear grinding or squealing, or the pedal feels soft, have them inspected before the trip.

The day before

Phone mount and charging cable. Set the mount where you can see the map without looking away from the road, and test that the charger works.
Offline maps. Download the map for your route in your maps app so directions keep working where there is no signal.
Emergency kit. A flashlight, a jump starter or jumper cables, a first aid kit, a tire pressure gauge, and water. In winter, add a blanket, gloves and an ice scraper.
Documents. Driver's license, registration and insurance card. Check that none has expired.
Roadside help. Know who you would call. Save the number for your roadside assistance plan or your insurer in your phone.
Toll payment. If your route has tolls, check that your transponder works in the states you will cross.
Pack low and secure. Put heavy items low and forward in the cargo area. Loose items become dangerous in a hard stop.
Fill the tank or charge the battery. Start full so the first stop is on your schedule.

Before you pull out

Adjust the seat and mirrors with the car loaded. A full trunk changes what you can see.
Clean the windshield inside and out, and the mirrors and camera lenses.
Enter the destination before you move.
Walk around the car once. Look at the tires and under the car for anything new.

On the road

Stop every two hours or so, even if you feel fine, and get out and walk. If you feel sleepy, pull over somewhere safe and rest. Coffee and a short nap help for a while, but only sleep fixes drowsiness. Each time you stop for fuel, take ten seconds to look at the tires.

For help choosing where the phone goes, see how to choose a car phone mount.