How to prepare your car for a road trip
By Tagwell Auto · Last updated October 10, 2026
The short answer: a week before you go, check the tires, fluids, brakes, lights and wipers, and get anything overdue done. The day before, set the tire pressures and pack an emergency kit. A week gives you time to fix what you find.
General guidance. Your owner's manual wins. If a red warning light is on or the car drives differently, stop safely and get help.
A week before
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Tires | Tread above 4/32, no bulges or cracks, and the spare has air. Check the age too |
| Oil | At the right level, and not due for a change during the trip |
| Coolant | Between the marks on the tank, with the engine cold. Never open a hot radiator cap |
| Brakes | No squeal, grinding or pulling. If in doubt, have them looked at |
| Battery | Over 3 years old? Have it tested. Most parts stores do it free |
| Lights | Walk around with everything on, including brake lights and signals |
| Wipers and washer fluid | No streaks, and a full tank |
| Belts and hoses | No cracks, no soft or bulging hoses |
If the oil change or anything else will come due during the trip, do it before you leave.
The day before
- Set the tire pressures to the door placard with the tires cold. A loaded car may call for the higher number.
- Fill the washer fluid and the fuel tank.
- Clean the windshield inside and out.
- Check that the jack, the wheel wrench and the wheel lock key are in the car.
- Don't load past the limit on the door placard. Passengers count.
The emergency kit
- Jumper cables or a jump pack
- A flashlight
- A first aid kit
- Water and snacks
- A phone charger and a paper map of the area
- Warning triangles or flares
- A blanket, and in winter a scraper and gloves
Paperwork
- Registration and insurance in the car, and neither expires while you're away
- Your roadside assistance number
- Any open recalls dealt with
Electric cars
Plan the charging stops with a margin, more in cold weather. Carry the charging cable and any adapters, and check the apps for the networks on your route.
Towing
Check the trailer's tires, lights, wheel bearings and coupler as well, and that the load is within the limits for both vehicles.
General guidance. Typical intervals, and your owner's manual wins. If a red warning light is on or the car drives differently, stop safely and get help.
Related: Records and resale in Tagwell Auto
Track this automatically in Tagwell Auto
Road-trip prep is a job in Tagwell Auto (Plus): a checklist you tick off, with your odometer logged. The To do list already shows anything that will come due by miles.
Questions
What should I check before a long drive?
Tires and pressures, oil, coolant, brakes, lights, wipers and the battery. Do it a week ahead so there's time to fix anything.
Should I get an oil change before a road trip?
If it will come due during the trip, yes. Otherwise check the level and carry on.
What tire pressure should I use with a full load?
The number on the door placard. Some cars list a higher pressure for a full load.