Pre-Trip Car Check: What to Inspect Before a Long Drive

A breakdown far from home can turn a fun trip into a long, expensive day.

Many of the problems that end road trips early give some warning before they get serious.

A low tire, a weak wiper blade or a glowing warning light is easy to spot in your own driveway.

The same problem is much harder to deal with on a dark highway hundreds of miles away.

This guide walks through a simple pre-trip check that most drivers can do in about half an hour.

When to do the check

Timing matters more than most people think.

Do the main inspection about a week before you leave.

That leaves time to buy a part, book a repair or replace a tire without rushing.

Then do a quick walk-around on the morning of departure.

Keep your owner's manual nearby for both.

It shows where each fluid reservoir is, which oil grade to use and what each warning light means.

Step 1: Tires and tire pressure

Tires carry the whole car, your passengers and all the luggage, so start there.

  • Pressure. Check it with a gauge when the tires are cold, before driving.
  • The right number. Use the pressure on the sticker in the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual.
  • Not the sidewall number. The pressure printed on the tire is a maximum, not the recommended setting.
  • Tread and sidewalls. Look for uneven wear, cuts, bulges or anything stuck in the tread.

FuelEconomy.gov notes that properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

It also reports that correct pressure improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average, and up to 3% in some cases.

Do not forget the spare tire.

A flat spare is no help on the side of the road, so check its pressure too.

Make sure the jack and lug wrench are in the car and that you know where they are stored.

Our step-by-step guide on how to check your tire pressure covers the details.

Step 2: Engine oil

Oil keeps the engine running smoothly over hundreds of highway miles.

Check the level with the engine off and the car parked on level ground.

  1. Wait a few minutes after the engine has run so the oil can settle.
  2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
  3. Push it all the way back in, then pull it out again.
  4. Read the oil level between the two marks near the tip.
  5. If it is low, add the grade listed in your owner's manual, a little at a time.

FuelEconomy.gov notes that using the manufacturer's recommended grade can improve gas mileage by 1% to 2%.

If an oil change is due soon, do it before the trip rather than halfway through it.

Step 3: Coolant, washer fluid and brake fluid

Most reservoirs under the hood have clear plastic sides with level marks.

  • Coolant. Check the overflow reservoir only when the engine is cold. Never open a hot radiator cap.
  • Washer fluid. Fill it up. Bugs, dust and road spray can cover a windshield fast on a long drive.
  • Brake fluid. Compare the level with the marks. A level that keeps dropping is a reason to have the brakes inspected.

For trips in cold weather, the National Weather Service recommends making sure all fluid levels are full before you leave.

If you are not comfortable checking a fluid, a repair shop can do it quickly during a routine visit.

Step 4: Lights, wipers and the heater or A/C

These are the parts that let you see and be seen.

The National Weather Service names the lights, heater and windshield wipers in its pre-trip guidance for winter travel.

  • Lights. Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights. Ask a helper to stand behind the car.
  • Wipers. Streaks, chatter or torn rubber mean it is time for new blades.
  • Climate control. Run the heater, defroster and air conditioning to make sure each one works.

A defroster that cannot clear the glass is a visibility problem, not just a comfort problem.

Step 5: Dashboard warning lights

Start the engine and watch the dashboard.

Most warning lights glow briefly when you start the car and then go out.

Any light that stays on deserves attention before a long drive.

FuelEconomy.gov points out that modern cars may seem to drive normally even when a repair is needed.

It advises having the car inspected by a mechanic when the check engine light comes on.

Our guide on what to do when the check engine light comes on explains the next steps.

Step 6: Listen and feel on a short test drive

A short drive around the neighborhood can reveal problems a parked car hides.

  • Listen for squealing or grinding when you brake.
  • Notice if the steering wheel pulls to one side or shakes.
  • Pay attention to new noises when you turn or go over bumps.
  • Watch the temperature gauge once the engine warms up.

Anything new or unusual is worth a professional opinion before you go.

What to leave to a mechanic

Some checks need tools, a lift or experience.

If your car is due for service, schedule it a week or two before the trip.

Ask the shop to look at the brakes, belts, hoses, battery and suspension.

Mention that you are planning a long drive.

A good technician will pay extra attention to parts that wear faster on highway miles.

Pack for the car, not just for yourself

A few items in the trunk can turn a breakdown into a manageable delay.

  • A phone charger that works in the car.
  • A flashlight with extra batteries.
  • A first-aid kit.
  • Jumper cables.
  • Water and a few non-perishable snacks.
  • A tire pressure gauge.

The National Weather Service includes items like these in its recommended kit for winter travel.

Keep the heaviest items low and secured so they do not slide around while you drive.

The morning-of walk-around

On the day you leave, take two minutes for a final look.

  • Walk around the car and look at all four tires.
  • Check that no new warning lights appear after you start the engine.
  • Clean the windshield, mirrors and lights.
  • Adjust your seat and mirrors before you pull out.
  • Fill the tank so you are not hunting for a station in the first hour.

If you are traveling in winter, the National Weather Service also suggests letting someone know your route and timetable.

A printable pre-trip checklist

  • Tire pressure set to the door jamb sticker, spare included.
  • Tread and sidewalls checked for damage.
  • Engine oil at the right level, with the recommended grade.
  • Coolant, washer fluid and brake fluid checked.
  • All lights and wipers working.
  • Heater, defroster and A/C tested.
  • No warning lights after startup.
  • Service done if it was due.
  • Emergency items packed and secured.

The bottom line

A pre-trip check does not require special skills, and it rarely takes more than half an hour.

Look at the tires, check the fluids, test the lights and wipers and take warning lights seriously.

Fix what you find before you leave, while help is still close and cheap.

Then enjoy the drive knowing the car is as ready as you are.

Sources and Further Reading