Getting your car ready for a road trip is mostly about finding small problems while you are still close to home. Hours of highway driving, a full load of passengers and luggage, and summer heat put steady stress on tires, brakes, the cooling system and the battery. Something that is merely annoying on a short commute around Hermitage can become a real headache several hundred miles away. A pre-trip car check and inspection is the simplest way to start, and the timeline below covers the rest.
A week or two before you leave
Schedule any inspection or service early enough that there is time to deal with whatever turns up. If a part needs to be ordered, you do not want to find out the afternoon before departure.
- Look at your maintenance schedule. If an oil change or other service will come due during the trip, do it before you go.
- Have the tires inspected. Check tread depth, look for uneven wear, cracks or bulges, and confirm the spare is in good shape. If the car pulls or the steering wheel is off center, consider an alignment check from our tire and alignment service before putting hundreds of miles on the tires.
- Check the brakes. Mountain or hilly routes demand a lot from them. Any squealing, grinding or soft pedal should be looked at before the trip.
- Test the battery. Heat and age weaken batteries, and a test can reveal one that is near the end of its life.
- Inspect belts and hoses. Cracks, fraying or soft spots are easier to spot on a lift than at a rest stop.
- Confirm the A/C and cooling system are healthy. A long climb on a hot day with a full car is exactly when a weak system shows up.
- Take care of open warning lights. A check engine light that has been on for weeks should be diagnosed before a long drive.
The day before
These quick checks take little time and do not require tools beyond a tire gauge. If you have not done them before, our guide to simple car checks you can do at home walks through each one.
- Set tire pressures cold, including the spare, which often needs a higher pressure than the regular tires. Use the door jamb sticker, and the loaded-vehicle pressure if your car lists one.
- Check the oil level and top off if it is low, using the grade your manual specifies.
- Look at the coolant level in the overflow tank with the engine cold.
- Fill the windshield washer reservoir and test the wipers.
- Walk around with the lights on: headlights, high beams, brake lights, turn signals and hazards.
- Make sure the jack, lug wrench and any wheel lock key are in the car.
Packing with the car in mind
Every vehicle has a maximum load rating, usually printed on the door jamb sticker with the tire information. Overloading strains tires, brakes and suspension and changes how the car handles in an emergency maneuver. Put heavier items low and forward in the cargo area, keep the rear window clear, and make sure rooftop carriers are rated for your roof and secured properly. Rooftop cargo also increases wind resistance, so expect lower fuel economy.
On the road
- Glance at the temperature gauge now and then, especially on long climbs with the A/C running.
- Walk around the car at fuel stops. A quick look can catch a low tire or a new drip.
- Pay attention to new noises, vibrations or smells, and do not ignore a warning light. Pull off somewhere safe to check.
- Weather can change quickly on a long drive. If you run into a storm, review our tips for driving safely in heavy rain.
- Plan rest breaks. A tired driver is a bigger risk than most mechanical problems.
Book your pre-trip check
Music City Auto Repair in Hermitage can look over your tires, brakes, fluids, battery and cooling system before you head out, tell you what we find and give you an estimate before any work starts. Call 615-600-5994 to schedule an inspection a week or two before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead of a road trip should I have my car serviced?
Aim for a week or two before you leave. That leaves time to order parts or schedule a repair if the inspection turns something up, and it gives you a few days of normal driving to make sure everything feels right after any work. Booking the day before leaves no room if a problem is found.
What should I keep in my car for a long drive?
A practical kit includes a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables or a portable jump starter, a flashlight, basic first aid supplies, drinking water, a phone charger, reflective triangles or a safety vest, and your insurance and roadside assistance information. In cooler months, add a blanket. Also confirm that your spare tire and jack are present and usable.
Should I change tire pressure when my car is fully loaded for a trip?
Some vehicles list a separate, higher pressure for heavy loads on the door jamb sticker or in the owner's manual. If yours does, use it when the car is packed with people and luggage, and set the pressure when the tires are cold. Never exceed the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.
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