That way, they can perform a safety inspection and make sure you don't need any repairs so you can drive with confidence and peace of mind. If you're not mechanically inclined, it's not a bad idea to schedule a tune-up with your mechanic before a long road trip.

So, perform a quick check to make sure all your lights are in working order. You can also end up with a ticket for non-functioning lights, which is a major buzzkill on any road trip.

They ensure everyone around you knows what you're going to do. Your headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights will be important on a road trip. Either way, it's a good idea to check all of your fluids and fluid levels before taking off. If you won't come close to hitting the mileage milestone required for your next oil change, don't worry about it. Consider an Oil ChangeĪre you due for an oil change soon? If so, you might as well take care of it before your road trip. Brakes should be inspected at least once every six months. To ensure your brake pads don't have excessive wear that could result in a failure, it's a good idea to have them checked. Inspect Your Brakesīrakes are pretty important - to say the least - and you will be using them more on a road trip. Plus, you'll need roadside assistance or the know-how and tools to change it yourself. Look for any signs of trouble like bubbles or bulges, and replace tires if needed.Ĭonsider getting your tires aligned and balanced before a trip if it's been two years or more.Įnsure the tire pressure in all four tires is right for your vehicle, often between 30 and 35 PSI, but check your manual.Īs you head out, it's also a good idea to have a spare tire - just in case. If you put a penny in the tread upside down and can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for a replacement. Here's how:Įnsure you have enough tread on all four tires. You can prevent blowouts and flats on a road trip by checking your tires before you take off.

You may have even been that person at some point. We've all seen the bummed people on the side of the road with a blown-out or flat tire. 8 Ways to Prepare for a Road TripĬonsider these eight ways to prepare for your next road trip and avoid common pitfalls. So how can you help to ensure your road trip goes off without a hitch? Here are eight tips to keep in mind. Who doesn't love a good road trip? However, far too many road trips have taken turns for the worse due to blown tires, breakdowns, and other unforeseen problems. Few things are better than a sunny day, your favorite playlist, some good company, tasty snacks, and the open road.

Tips for long road trips