6 Tips for Getting Your Car Road Trip Ready

A road trip can be the perfect escape for car lovers and travelers all over the world, but you want to make sure your car is as ready for the trip as you are. Before you head out, make sure you thoroughly inspect your car to lessen the likelihood that your vehicle will break down. If you are too busy planning and packing, give Wrench a call! We can send one of our mobile mechanics to your location and perform the inspection for you. Once our mobile mechanic gives you a thumbs up, you will be able to go on your road trip with all the confidence in the world.

Here is Wrench's road trip checklist that you should be sure to use before you head out on your next adventure!

Tips For Getting Your Car Road Trip Ready:

1. Get Your Fluids Checked
   Before you go on a long road trip, you want to check all of your fluid levels. Be sure to check your oil and change it if needed! You also want to check the coolant, brakes, and windshield fluids. Don’t get caught on the highway, unable to clean the bugs and dirt off your windshield, because you forgot to fill it up before you left. Checking all these fluids will make your car more reliable and will give you a better road trip experience!
2. Check Your Tires
   You want to check the tread of your tires as well as the air pressure. If the tread of your tires is less than 1.6mm, then you should get new tires for your trip. Driving with bald tires is very dangerous so keep yourself as safe as possible! When you check the air pressure, make sure it is within the accepted range for your car. A tire with too much air pressure could cause a blowout, and a tire without enough air pressure could waste gas. Your tires will be in constant contact with the ground, so take good care of them before you leave.
3. Make Sure Your Lights are Working
   Start your vehicle and have a friend, or one of our mobile mechanics, go to the front of your car to make sure your headlights and brights are working properly. Don’t forget to test out your hazards and turning signals as well! If all your lights and signals are working then you are good to go! If not, contact Wrench and we will get that fixed before you leave! Lights and signals will prevent accidents and traffic tickets so don’t leave unless they are functioning.
4. Make Sure You Have All of Your Emergency Equipment
   When preparing for your road trip, make sure you have all the equipment that would be useful in an emergency because you never know what might happen! Helpful things to have would be; a cell phone, flashlight, spare tires, jumper cables, reflective triangles, first aid kit, etc. Prepare for the worst, even if you don’t think anything will go wrong on your road trip.
5. Clean Your Vehicle
   Wash your car before you leave because it could get very dirty on the way. It will be helpful to wash the windows so you have the best visibility on your trip. While you are out and about, you can touch up your windows at most gas stations too!
6. Fill Your Car up with Gas
   Before you take your car out for any long drives, you should always put gas in your car to ensure that you don’t get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Make sure to keep an eye on your fuel levels while you are on your road trip to prevent running out.
   

Once you have completed all of these steps, you will be ready to hit the road. If you ever find yourself with a broken down car, book an appointment with Wrench! We can send an ASE-certified mobile mechanic to your location and we will keep you moving so you can enjoy everything a road trip has to offer.

Looking for a route for your next road trip? Check out the best drives in Washington State, along the Oregon Coast, and along the California Coast!