Let us help you get your trip off to the right start with our Road Trip Checklist
So, before you venture out, check the weather for your destination, and refer to our road trip checklist below to help you prepare for unexpected circumstances.
Things to do in advance
Vehicle Safety
Maintenance
Check your owner’s handbook to ensure all your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance is up to date.
Check to ensure your tires have been rotated on schedule.
Fluid Levels
- Oil
- Coolant
- Transmission Fluid
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Window Washer Fluids
Belts and Hoses
Check for cracks, cuts, or fraying
Lights
Make sure the following lights are all working properly:
- Headlights
- Turn Signals
- Brake Lights
- Dash Lights
- Interior Lights
Tires
Ensuring your tires are in the best possible condition is one of the most important safety steps on your road trip checklist. It’s important to know when you need to replace your tires.
- Check Air Pressure
- Check Tread Level
In Case of Emergency
First Aid Kit
- Bandages, Ointments, Antiseptics
- Ibuprofen and/or Acetaminophen
- Antacids
- Motion Sickness Medications
- Prescription Medications (if needed)
Flashlight
Check to make sure your flashlight works, and pack extra batteries for it.
Spare Tire
Make sure you have your jack in the vehicle, and that your spare is inflated
Toolbox
We recommend keeping a toolbox in the trunk with the following items:
- Jumper Cables
- Flares
- Wrenches/Screwdrivers
- Portable Car Battery Charger
Extra Vehicle Fluids
You should consider keeping a bottle of commonly needed extra vehicle fluids, such as:
- Oil
- Coolant
- Window Washer Fluid
Other fluids to consider depending on how far your road trip destination is:
- Transmission Fluid
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
Food/Comfort
Make sure to pack plenty of non-perishable foods in the event of an emergency. Peanut butter, trail-mix, and granola bars are common go-to items.
In addition to food, we highly recommend you keep some comfort items like blankets or pillows in your trunk.
Navigation
In case you drive into an area with poor or no cell signal, make sure to put a map/atlas in your glovebox.
Just Before You Leave
Personal Items
Most people remember to grab their phone, keys, and wallet; so here are some other things we recommend for your road trip checklist:
- Phone charger
- Fully charged portable battery
- Spare car keys
- Update GPS/Travel app or software if needed
Documentation
We recommend making sure all your important documents are together and easily accessible.
- Vehicle Registration
- Proof of Insurance
- Roadside Assistance Information
- Extended Warranty/Vehicle Protection Plan Information
Entertainment
Everyone’s road trip entertainment preferences vary, so here are some common items to consider taking with you!
- Games and portable gaming devices
- Books/Kindle
- DVDs
- Music, Radio Apps, CDs
- Snacks (Don’t forget to bring a trash bag/bin too!)
We hope this Ultimate Road-Trip Checklist was of great use to you. If you would like a printable version so you can easily check things off the list, use the download link below!
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