How to prepare your car and family for a road trip

Knowing how to prepare for a road trip comes with experience. Following a checklist before you hit the road can help you avoid the pitfalls of road trips.

Steps to prepare your car for a road trip

Follow these steps to make sure your car is ready when you hit the road.

1. Resolve any known issues

Before going on any long trip, address any unusual noises, leaks, shakes, illuminated dashboard lights, or warm air from the air-conditioning. If you're taking a car that you don't drive every day, go on a test drive and check for any trouble signs. If you notice anything unusual — like noises when you brake — have a mechanic evaluate your vehicle.

2. Take your car in for any overdue maintenance

Take your car to the repair shop if it's due for the following maintenance: oil change, filter change, tire rotation, tune-up, belt replacement, or fluid flush. If you're towing something, ask the shop to use synthetic oil. Tell the mechanic or service advisor that you're going on a road trip and ask for a pre-trip car inspection to check the brakes, hoses, and belts on the car. Also check for leaks under the car and looseness in the steering and suspension.

3. Check fluid levels

Check all fluids, including engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid (if applicable). If these essential vehicle fluids are low or empty, take the car to the mechanic for diagnosis and repair. If there aren't problems like leaks, you can fill some fluids on your own. For example, checking your coolant levels and filling coolant is easy to do at home.

4. Inspect the battery

Check for corrosion on the terminals. While your car is off and the engine is cool, clean off the greenish-white powder with baking soda, water, and a toothbrush.

5. Examine tires and pressure

Look at tire tread depth and air pressure. Summer calls for sudden downpours. You don't want to drive on slick wet roads with no tire tread. Also, fill the tire with air if needed, but don't overinflate. Review your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended air pressure. Lastly, check the air pressure on your spare tire and confirm that you have the proper tools and parts needed to change a flat tire. If you don't know how to change a flat tire, learn before you go. The spare is only helpful if you know how to put it on.

6. Test the lights

Evaluate all your car's lights, including:

• Headlights (front of car)
• High beams (front of car)
• Brake lights (back of car — don't forget the third brake light)
• Turn signals (front and back of car)
• Reverse lights (back of car)

7. Check wipers and washer fluid

Inspect your wipers and washer fluid, and replace the windshield wipers if necessary. Heavy summer rains can make driving difficult and dangerous. Ensure your wipers are in tip-top shape to handle heavy rains and double-check that the windshield washer bottle under the hood is full.

8. Assemble a road trip emergency kit

These items could be a lifesaver if you have a car emergency:

• An extra gallon of coolant
• Two to three quarts of oil
• Rags for cleaning
• Water
• GPS if you don't have a smartphone
• Duct tape

Steps to prepare your family for a road trip

Follow these steps to make sure your family is ready when you hit the road.

1. Create a packing list

Before you prepare for a road trip with kids, create a family road trip checklist of all the essential items you need to pack. Have your kids choose a few items to keep within arm's reach that can keep them occupied in the car and quiet activities that can keep them busy during your travels.

Car essentials

• Antibacterial wipes
• A small first aid kit
• Umbrellas
• Cozy blankets for trips in cold weather
• Charging cables and USB plugs
• Favorite movies, apps, and books
• Crafts, journals, washable crayons, and card games
• Car seat
• Jumper cables, tools, and flashlights

Snacks and water

Packing your snacks ensures you have your child's favorite items when hunger strikes and can help your family eat healthier when on the road.

• Apples, oranges, carrots, grapes, cucumbers, and strawberries
• Frozen water bottles
• Healthy multi-grain crackers or chips

2. Download apps and maps of your trip

Find travel apps, such as Waze or Google Maps, that provide real-time traffic information and help you find the best places to eat. Downloading the right travel apps can help you find the least expensive gas in the area, your next caffeine fix, and more.

Turn your family road trip into a geography lesson by using an atlas. A road can be used to show children where you live in relation to where you're heading. Point out major roads you might be taking and things you might be stopping to see along the way. Look at photos of the area and read about where you're going, so they know what to expect when you get there, especially if this is your first time visiting the area.

As you learn about where you're going, you can also work together to develop a list of "musts" on your vacation and wish list items you hope to see or do while away.

3. Research where you're staying

Knowing what amenities are provided at your destination helps you know what to pack. If you're renting a house or a condo, get in touch with the property owner or rental management company to see what items will be provided. Even though laundry machines, a dishwasher, and a stove may be provided, you may need to bring laundry detergent and dish soap or pick up these items when you arrive.

Do you need additional coverage for a road trip?

If your road trip is within the United States, your auto policy may provide coverage for the entirety of your trip. Consider adding roadside assistance coverage to your policy, which can cover towing, locksmith, and jump-start services.

Travel insurance is optional and may not be necessary for short-term road trips. However, if you're taking an extended trip, travel insurance may be worth carrying. If you need to cancel your travel plans due to an unexpected illness, severe weather, or another reason covered by your policy, travel insurance may help reimburse you for financial losses associated with your trip.