How To Get Your Vehicle Ready for a Road Trip

You need a few things for a successful road trip: a great playlist, good company, reliable navigation, and an operable vehicle. Your joy ride can quickly turn desperate if you end up on the side of the road with a flat tire, overheated engine, or a car that simply won’t go. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to guarantee an incident-free drive. However, when you prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll reduce the risk of a breakdown, allowing you and your passengers to enjoy the ride and make for a more relaxing trip.

If you’re gearing up for a cross-country trek, here’s what you can do to prepare:

Get an Oil Change

I don’t know where I’m supposed to be but I’m headed there by visualcause is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

Running out of oil can be detrimental to your vehicle. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of nowhere and hear the sickening clang of a blown engine rod. To avoid this, take your car in for an oil change before your trip, and remember to check your oil levels frequently. When checking your oil, look for a flat surface and allow your engine to cool slightly before doing work beneath the hood. Checking oil levels frequently can tell you if you’re burning through oil quickly or if you need to top off your levels.

If you don’t have time for an engine oil change, do a check at home before you drive. First, look at your oil level and color. Most engines use a dipstick to measure oil levels; these sticks have two markers to show where the oil should be. If your oil is near the lower marker, be sure to at least top it off. Next, examine the color of your oil. Most healthy oil is a yellowish gold color. A black or brown color could mean your oil is dirty and needs replacement.

Fill Your Tires

Before your trip, check the pressure in your tires. You can locate the correct tire pressure by looking for the PSI measurement written on your tire wall. Then, take your car to a gas station and use their air pump, or use an air compressor of your own to fill your tires. This can make your vehicle more fuel efficient and reduce the risk of blowing a tire. Check your tread while you’re filling your tires. Bald tires can be dangerous, especially if you’re driving in winter or traveling a long distance.

Ask for a Check-up

Taking your car to a mechanic or dealership can offer you peace of mind on your trip. Consider asking for a tune-up or check-up, where an expert can check your vehicle’s fluid levels and ensure your car is in good operating shape. Spotting problems before they worsen can save you valuable time and money. They can tell you if your vehicle is in good enough condition to handle the trip or recommend services you can do before you leave town.

If your vehicle isn’t up for the trip, you can contact our finance team to discuss trading in your vehicle or financing a new-to-you option.

Fill Your Tank With Gas

Before your trip, make sure you have a full tank of gas. This helps you get on the road quickly and eliminates a stop at the gas station when you’re ready to get going. Filling up your tank is also helpful if you’re unfamiliar with your driving area. You may not have an option to fill up if your tank runs low in a rural location.

Clean Your Vehicle

While an optional step, cleaning your vehicle before your trip can help your car feel fresh and ready for an adventure. Clean out any old trash, dishes, and items you don’t need for your trip. You can also wash your windshield for better visibility.

Locate Your Important Documents

Before you leave, ensure you have all the documents you might need if you get pulled over or get in an accident. This includes your insurance card, vehicle registration, and driver’s license. Make sure these items are easy to access. It’s also helpful to keep your owner’s manual accessible too. You can reference the manual if you need to top off fluids or troubleshoot something in your vehicle during your trip.

Pack the Essentials

After cleaning your vehicle, restock it with everything you want for your trip. Remember to pack a car charger for your cell phone, water, and items such as sunscreen or a shovel, depending on the weather or terrain. When packing your vehicle, maintain convenient access to things you expect to reach for often, like water, snacks, and clothing layers. Ensure your packing gives you and your passengers enough room to ride comfortably and safely.

Program Your Navigation

Many vehicles have in-car navigation options that conveniently give directional updates from your infotainment system. If you don’t have this option, you can use the navigation features on your phone or an old-fashioned map. Looking at your route beforehand can reduce distractions and help you plan your route more efficiently. It can also take some of the pressure off the driver or passenger to provide navigation, leading to a safer experience and reducing the risk of driving 20 miles in the wrong direction.

Programming your navigation can also help you spot any difficult terrain you might encounter. For example, some routes might require four-wheel drive or encounter areas with bad weather. You can adjust your packing essentials to ensure you and your vehicle have all the tools you need to tackle these challenges successfully. If your car doesn’t have these features, look through our selection of vehicles. Many of our offerings come with new technology like Bluetooth compatibility and in-car navigation to keep your road trips running smoothly.

Following these tips can prepare your vehicle for a safe and enjoyable road trip. Wherever your adventures take you, set yourself up for success by preparing your vehicle and planning ahead. If you’re thinking of embarking on a road trip but fear your existing vehicle isn’t up for the challenge, call us or stop in. We have an impressive lineup of used cars, trucks, and SUVs that are perfect companions for your summer road trip adventures.