The ultimate pre-trip inspection checklist for a safe and stress-free journey
A long road trip is one of the best ways to explore, unwind, or reconnect with the world beyond your everyday routine. But before you throw your bags in the trunk and hit the highway, there’s one essential task you can’t afford to skip: making sure your car is road-trip ready.
Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or a winter holiday trek, your vehicle needs to be in top shape to handle hours of driving, changing terrain, and varying weather conditions. At All Around Auto Repair, we’ve helped countless drivers avoid road trip disasters with simple, preventative checks. The goal? No breakdowns. No surprises. Just smooth cruising.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you should inspect (or have inspected) before a long road trip, including your tires, brakes, fluids, lights, battery, wipers, HVAC system, and more. Plus, we’ll share seasonal tips for summer and winter travel, along with what to pack in your roadside emergency kit.
Let’s get you and your car ready to go.
1. Tires: Your first line of safety
Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road, so you’ll want to be sure they’re in great condition.
What to check:
- Tread depth: Use a penny or tread gauge. If tread is less than 2/32″, replace the tires.
- Tire pressure: Inflate to manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found on your driver’s side door frame).
- Sidewalls: Look for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects.
- Spare tire: Make sure it’s inflated and that the jack/tools are accessible and functional.
Pro tip:
Consider a tire rotation or alignment check if it’s been a while—especially for road trips over 1,000 miles.
2. Brakes: Don’t let a squeak turn into a safety hazard
You’ll be using your brakes constantly on any long trip—especially if you’re driving through mountains, city traffic, or rainy weather.
What to check:
- Brake pads and rotors: Listen for squealing or grinding.
- Brake fluid: Should be clear and at the correct level.
- Pedal feel: If the pedal feels soft or spongy, get it checked immediately.
Pro tip:
If you’re hearing any noise when braking, don’t risk it—have the system inspected before your trip.
3. Engine oil and other fluids: Keep everything running smooth
Your car needs clean fluids to keep it cool, lubricated, and responsive. Long hours on the road increase engine temperatures, making fluid health even more critical.
What to check:
- Engine oil: Change it if you’re close to your service interval.
- Coolant / antifreeze: Prevents overheating or freezing, depending on the season.
- Transmission fluid: Should be at the proper level and not burned or dirty.
- Brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid: Top off as needed.
Pro tip:
Ask your mechanic for a full fluid check and top-off during your pre-trip inspection.
4. Battery: Avoid getting stranded
There’s nothing worse than a dead battery at a remote gas station or in the middle of nowhere.
What to check:
- Battery age: If it’s older than 3–5 years, consider replacing it.
- Terminals: Make sure they’re clean and corrosion-free.
- Voltage: A quick load test can tell you if the battery is holding a charge.
Pro tip:
Don’t rely on guesswork, have your battery tested by a professional.
5. Lights and signals: Stay visible and compliant
Your lights help you see, and be seen. Don’t head out with a burnt-out bulb or malfunctioning signal.
What to check:
- Headlights (low and high beam)
- Turn signals and brake lights
- Tail lights and reverse lights
- Hazard lights and fog lights (if equipped)
Pro tip:
Clean your headlights if they’re foggy or yellowed, better visibility means safer night driving.
6. Wiper blades and washer system: See clearly, drive safely
Bad weather can strike anytime, and dirty windshields reduce visibility and reaction time.
What to check:
- Wiper blades: Replace if they’re streaking, skipping, or cracked.
- Washer fluid: Fill up with season-appropriate washer fluid (especially in winter).
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to clean the rear wiper blade if you have one.
7. HVAC system: For comfort and safety
You don’t want to discover your A/C doesn’t work when it’s 95° in the desert—or that your heater’s dead during a snowstorm.
What to check:
- Air conditioning: Blows cold and works on all fan speeds.
- Heat and defrost: Especially critical in winter for safety and visibility.
- Cabin air filter: Replace if it smells musty or airflow is weak.
8. Belts, hoses, and leaks: The silent failure points
Under-hood components like belts and hoses can deteriorate over time. If one fails during your trip, it can lead to a breakdown or even engine damage.
What to check:
- Drive belt (serpentine belt): Should be smooth, not cracked or frayed.
- Coolant and heater hoses: No leaks, bulges, or soft spots.
- Under-car leaks: Any puddles under the car should be identified before you leave.
9. Emergency kit: Pack it before you need it
Even with great preparation, things can go wrong. A well-stocked emergency kit is your best backup plan.
What to include:
- Jumper cables or portable jump starter
- Tire inflator or sealant
- Basic tool kit and flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Blanket, snacks, water
- Phone charger (12V adapter or portable)
- Roadside flares or reflective triangle
- Extra fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid)
Seasonal road trip tips
Summer road trips
- Make sure your A/C is working well
- Check coolant condition and radiator function
- Bring extra water for passengers and vehicle
- Use sunshades to protect the interior from heat damage
Winter road trips
- Use winter tires or all-season tires with good tread
- Keep ice scraper, gloves, and blankets in the car
- Use winter-rated windshield washer fluid
- Make sure defrosters and heaters work properly
- Keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent freezing
Bonus tip: Get a professional pre-trip inspection
Even if everything seems fine, a quick check-up from a trusted mechanic can give you confidence for the road ahead. At All Around Auto Repair, we offer pre-trip vehicle inspections that cover:
✔ Tires and alignment
✔ Brakes and fluids
✔ Battery and electrical
✔ Steering and suspension
✔ Lights, HVAC, wipers, and more
You’ll drive away knowing your car is ready for the miles ahead—and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you did everything right before the journey.
Final thoughts: Start your trip with confidence
A successful road trip starts long before the engine does. Taking the time to check your car’s most important systems can prevent breakdowns, delays, and unsafe conditions far from home.
Whether you’re heading cross-country or just a few hours out of town, a little prep can make the difference between a great adventure and a frustrating detour.
Planning a road trip? Let us get your vehicle ready.
At All Around Auto Repair, we’re here to make sure your car is just as ready for the journey as you are.
Schedule your pre-trip inspection today—we’ll go over every detail so you can travel with peace of mind.
📞 Call us or book online.
Expert service. Trusted mechanics. A smoother road ahead.
All Around Auto Repair — Repair. Maintenance. Service. Since 2001.
We keep your car ready—so your journey can be unforgettable.
