Vehicle Checks Every Driver Should Make Before a Long Road Trip

Locate the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle — it's printed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall. Use a gauge to check all four tires when they're cold (driven less than a mile). Inflate or deflate as needed.

While you're at each tire, inspect the tread depth using the quarter test: insert a quarter into a tread groove with Washington's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, tread is getting low. Also look for sidewall cracks, bulges, or embedded objects. Don't forget the spare — a flat spare at the trailhead is a common and avoidable problem.

With the engine off and cooled, check the following under the hood:

• Engine oil: Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, then pull again. Oil should read between the min and max marks and appear amber to dark brown — not milky or gritty.
• Coolant: Check the translucent reservoir (never open the radiator cap on a hot engine). The level should fall between the low and full lines.
• Brake fluid: Locate the small reservoir near the firewall. It should be at or near the max line. Significantly low brake fluid can indicate a leak or worn pads.
• Power steering fluid: If your vehicle has hydraulic power steering (many newer cars use electric), check the reservoir level and note any unusual smell.
• Windshield washer fluid: Top this off completely — you'll use more than you expect on a long drive.

Walk around the vehicle with a helper or use a reflective surface to verify that all lights are functioning: headlights (low and high beam), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and hazard flashers. A burned-out brake light is both a safety hazard and a traffic stop waiting to happen.

Also check that your interior lights, dashboard illumination, and any cargo area lights work properly.

Run your wipers on a wet windshield and look for streaking, skipping, or squeaking — all signs that blades need replacing. Wiper inserts are inexpensive and take minutes to swap. Also inspect the windshield for cracks or chips; a small chip at the edge of the glass can spread rapidly under highway vibration and temperature changes. Many glass repair services can fix minor chips quickly before a trip.

Before loading the car, drive slowly in a quiet area and apply the brakes firmly. Note any grinding, squealing, vibration through the pedal, or pulling to one side. These are warning signs that pads, rotors, or brake hardware may need attention. A soft or spongy pedal that sinks toward the floor is a more urgent concern — have a mechanic inspect the system before driving any distance.

With the engine off, visually inspect the serpentine belt for cracking, fraying, or glazing. Check visible hoses for soft spots, bulges, or dried-out sections near clamps. These components don't often fail without warning signs, but those signs are easy to miss if you're not looking.

For the battery, look for corrosion on the terminals (a white or blue-green buildup) and ensure the connections are tight. If your battery is more than three to four years old or has been slow to start recently, consider having it load-tested at an auto parts store — many offer this at no charge.