Road trips are becoming an increasingly popular option for U.S. travelers today amid the foreign travel bans set in place due to COVID-19. Find out everything you need to know about planning your ultimate road trip in this preparation guide!
Inspecting Your Car Before a Road Trip
Before going on a road trip you need to make sure your car is in an able condition. Nothing beats a road trip like standing on the side of the road looking at your broken down car in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully, with the right preparation you can save yourself from unnecessary car troubles while on your road trip.
Make sure you inspect your car a few days, or even a few weeks, in advance to allow enough time for any issues to be fixed!
Oil: Check your oil and add more if necessary. Be sure to get your oil changed before your trip if your light is on!
Tires: Check your tire pressure with a tire pressure gage, or gas station air pump. Check your owners manual for ideal air pressure levels. Make sure the tread on your tires is not too worn either. If it is worn you should think about replacing your tires before going on your trip.
When the tread on tires becomes too worn it can cause them to lose traction while braking, and when you’re driving in rain, ice, or snow. Think about bringing a spare tire along on your trip.
Lights: Be sure that all the lights in your car are working properly. Check your headlights, brake lights, and indicator lights. If any of these lights have burnt out be sure to have them replaced as you can get a ticket for having a light out.
Windshield Wipers & Fluid: Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is filled in case you run into a dirty windshield. If you do run out of windshield wiper fluid, most gas stations will provide you with cleaning tools and liquid, just be prepared to stop.
You should also check to be sure the wipers themselves are still in good condition. If not, you should replace them before your trip.
Plan Your Trip IN ADVANCE
Find out where you want to stop during your road trip. Are you looking to stop at cities, or national parks? Will you be camping along the way, or finding hotels to stop at? Having a general idea for the plan of your road trip will keep you organized and on track.
With COVID-19 halting the normal operations for most businesses around the country, you should call ahead and make sure the sites you want to visit are open. Be sure to inquire about their COVID-19 precautions and be prepared to adhere to any new policies that may have been put in place.
While planning for your road trip, check the mileage between your desired destinations and decide how far you want to be driving each day. Then you can see how long your road trip should take to complete.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance can be especially helpful during road trips. AAA has reported that it will continue providing service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. You should consider investing in a roadside assistance service because it may come in handy in the case of a flat tire, empty tank, etc. while you’re on the road!
Car Insurance
Consider investing in car insurance if you don’t already have it before setting out on your road trip. This will ensure coverage in case of any accidents.
If you already have car insurance, be sure to carry your information with you during your trip, and be sure to know the company’s contact information.
Road Trip Essentials
While I’m not including a comprehensive packing list of personal items for your road trip here, I am listing all of your commonly forgotten car road trip essentials!
For a more in depth list, subscribe to my email list and receive my FREE ultimate road trip packing list! This will also sign you up for email notifications of new blog posts.
My Road Trip Car Essentials
Essential Items
- Driver’s License
- Sunglasses
- Phone charger(s)
- Aux cord
- Maps & GPS
Food & Water Items
- Cooler
(keep snacks/food from grocery stores in a cooler & save yourself some money) - Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
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Find more travel advice on my Travel Tips & Tricks page.
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