Tips for a Road Trip
- Check tire air pressure and tire condition, check engine oil levels, top up windshield washer fluid, fill up with gas, and wash windows inside and out.
- Has your car had a maintenance check lately? Before a long trip you or your mechanic should also check the antifreeze, power steering, brake and transmission fluid, hoses and belts, and the battery.
- check for spare tire, tire pressure gauge, pump
- the vehicle manual
- phone number for emergency assistance or Auto Association card
- pen/marker and notepad
- manila envelope (keep receipts in this, especially if you are travelling with others and sharing expenses)
- charged cell phone/car charger --but don't talk on the cell when you drive
- driver's license, vehicle ownership and insurance documents
- first aid kit, bottled water, car emergency kit (waterproof matches/candle in a tin, rain poncho, flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellant, small shovel, booster cables, compass, emergency blanket ....)
- winter: sand or kitty litter (for traction under spinning tires,) boots, snow parka, 2 polar fleece blankets
- towel (seats can get hot when cars are left in sunny parking lots)
- pillow (for passenger on a long trip)
- properly installed car seats/booster seats for kids, carriers for pets
- cooler with drinks, nonperishable snacks
- roll of paper towels/rags
- small trash bags
- road trip music playlist
- spare set of car keys
- credit card and emergency cash/change for tolls
- GPS/navigation system set (load in addresses)
- print maps/directions just in case
- print-outs of hotel reservations/confirmation numbers
- car windshield sunshade (particularly if the car will be parked in the sun for long periods of time)
