Car road trips may not be as popular as they once were, but there’s even more to see and do these days. However, you should also be ready for whatever else lies ahead on your road trip, from breakdowns and flat tires to unexpected weather changes and wrong turns. Whether you take your own car or rent a car, preparing for a road trip can be a hefty task to accomplish.
Use the guide below to prepare for a car road trip like you’ve been on more cross-country trips than there are states. There are bound to be events or circumstances you don’t plan for and may not be prepared for, but that’s the joy of a road trip. Don’t forget to pack a Drift car freshener, and sign up for the Scent of the Month Club to have one waiting for you when you get back.
How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip
Before you head out on the never-ending highway, much of the preparation you’ll do will be to ensure your vehicle is ready. Preparing for a car road trip takes some time, so be sure to schedule at least a month or two ahead of time. Planning that far ahead gives you enough time to make changes if necessary.
Check the Fluids
Your car requires several fluids to operate, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Use the guide below to ensure these fluids are clean and topped off before you leave for your car road trip:
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Oil: If your car’s mileage is close to the next oil change interval, make an appointment or change the oil yourself before heading out.
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Coolant: Ensure your vehicle has enough coolant in it; you can top the radiator off with a bottle of water or two, but any more is greater cause for concern.
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Brake fluid: Exchange dirty brake fluid for new fluid to make certain your brakes perform as expected.
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Power steering fluid: Perform the same evaluation on the power steering fluid as you would the brake fluid.
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Transmission fluid: If you can reach the transmission dipstick—and your vehicle is equipped with one—verify it’s clean and topped off.
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Windshield washer fluid: Whether you encounter a swarm of bugs in the summer or need to remove the mag-chloride from the road in the winter, windshield washer fluid is vital for seeing the road ahead.
Get into the habit of checking these fluids often to extend the life of your vehicle, whether you go on a road trip or not.
Inspect the Tires
Before you leave, rotate and balance your car’s tires, inspecting them for tears, rips, or bulges. If the tire tread measures near, at, or less than 2/32 of an inch, replace them as soon as possible. Air them up to the specifications listed on the driver’s door jamb and keep an eye on the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) if your vehicle is so equipped.
Verify the Lights are Functional
Ensure your exterior lights are working, including the following:
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Headlights
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Taillights
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High beams
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Turn signals
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Reverse lights
Interior lights are just as important, so verify that your dome lights are working. If you plan on pulling a trailer, verify that the connector is securely fastened and the trailer’s lights are functional.
Complete a Visual Inspection
Visually inspecting your vehicle can help you identify problems before they become significant issues. Evaluate the brakes, air filters, belts and hoses, and battery to ensure everything is in proper working condition. Don’t forget your air conditioning system, heater, spare tire, jack, and wiper blades.
Clean and Organize the Interior
Remove anything from your vehicle that you won’t need during your car road trip. At the same time, take stock of what you need to add to your grocery list, such as tissues or hand sanitizer. Configure your supplies with organizational bins to keep everything in order as you explore.
Create an Adventurous Scentscape
Hanging an air freshener in the car can be comforting if you smell a familiar scent so far away from home. Keep spirits high with a Drift car freshener that tucks away so you don’t have to worry about space. If you join the Scent of the Month Club, you’ll discover that Drift’s luxury car fresheners keep their scent for 30 days—so if you happen to miss a few showers here and there, your fellow passengers may not notice as easily.
How You Can Prepare for a Car Road Trip
Once you’ve got your car in order, start thinking about what you need on the trip. Each trip is different, but these steps are a good place to start. Remember to bring something to document the journey so you can look back on it later—and get a good night’s sleep before you head out.
Create a Budget
Spending time on the road can make it challenging to conceptualize how much you’ve spent on food stops, souvenirs, and any other incidentals you come across. Creating a budget beforehand gives you guidelines on how you should spend any available funds. You can make your budget as strict or as loose as you want, but remember to take out some cash before you leave, just in case you don’t have access to ATMs or a bank.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Even those of us who consider ourselves resourceful need help sometimes. Join a roadside assistance program—like AAA—to have someone to call on in case you get stranded. If you run out of gas or get a flat tire and don’t have a spare, a helping hand can be a welcome sight.
Preparing ahead also includes monitoring the weather and packing layers of clothing. It’s much easier to remove a few layers than need a warm jacket or thick pair of socks. If you take prescription medication, stock up on supplies before you leave.
Charge Any Electronics
If you plan on bringing any devices with you, charge them ahead of time to ensure they’re ready to go. This includes portable battery jumpers and air compressors, along with smartphones and navigation systems. It’s also a good rule of thumb to practice with your new equipment before your trip in case you run into any issues.
Plan Your Route
Print and take a picture of your itinerary. Send it to loved ones so they know where you are and how to reach you if necessary. Determine a check-in schedule to facilitate communication and ease their worries.
Plan your route, allowing extra time for meals if you prefer to eat a few along the way, bathroom breaks, traffic, and any snafus you run into, including inclement weather. Map out rest stops and gas stations along the way.
Pack Non-Perishables
Bring healthy, non-perishable food items with you, including bottled water. If you want to bring perishable food with you, plan on eating it first. Granola bars, nuts, and crackers are ideal.
Ward Off Boredom
Despite all the thrills you’ll encounter on a car road trip, there are times when boredom can set in. Before you leave, create road trip bingo cards to make the miles go by faster. Audiobooks or a road trip playlist can also help swallow up a few hundred miles at a time.
Scent Your Car Road Trip Memories With Drift Car Fresheners
Some of our fondest memories—including those while on the road—are tied to scents. Tie your new road trip memories to sumptuous fragrances designed to encourage curiosity. Drift luxury car fresheners make every drive feel like an adventure—subscribe today and see for yourself!
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