Planning a Road Trip This Summer?

By Eugene Bruno on May 31, 2024

Planning a road trip is exciting, but ensuring your car is ready for the journey is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a detailed guide to get your car road trip ready.

Perform a Thorough Maintenance Check

Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in top condition by performing a thorough maintenance check.

• Oil Change: Ensure your oil is fresh and at the proper level. If your road trip is long, consider changing your oil before departure, even if it’s not yet due.
• Fluid Levels: Check and top off all fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid.
• Tires: Inspect your tires for proper inflation, sufficient tread, and any signs of damage. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well.
• Brakes: Ensure your brakes are functioning correctly. Listen for any unusual sounds and have them checked if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
• Battery: Check the battery for corrosion and ensure it holds a charge. If your battery is over a few years old, consider replacing it.
• Lights and Signals: Test all lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Stock Up on Essential Supplies

Having the right supplies can make all the difference in an emergency. Here are the essentials you should carry:

• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, and any necessary prescription medications.
• Emergency Blanket: This is for warmth in case you get stranded in cold weather.
• Flashlight: With extra batteries or a hand-crank option.
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: For various small repairs and tasks.
• Reflective Warning Triangles: To alert other drivers if you’re stopped on the roadside.
• High-visibility Vest: To increase your visibility to other drivers.
• Jumper Cables: In case of a dead battery.
• Fire Extinguisher: A compact, car-friendly model.
• Duct Tape: For temporary repairs.
• Whistle: To signal for help.

Prepare for Car Maintenance and Repairs

Even with a well-maintained car, issues can still arise. Be prepared with these items:

1. Tire Pressure Gauge: To check tire pressure.
2. Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench: For changing a flat tire.
3. Tire Inflator or Sealant: Temporary fix for minor tire punctures.
4. Tow Strap: In case you need to be towed.
5. Work Gloves: For handling repairs and maintenance.
6. Basic Tool Kit: Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and other essentials.
7. Fuses: Spare fuses for your car’s electrical components.
8. Coolant and Oil: Extra supplies for emergencies.

San Diego Car Accident Attorneys Help with Road Trip Accidents

With the above steps in mind, you can ensure your car is ready for a road trip, allowing you to focus on the fun and adventure ahead. Still, accidents happen. If you find yourself involved in an accident while on a road trip, there are resources available to help. With a 99.7 percent success rate, Eugene Bruno & Associates knows how to give our clients the support they need.

Contact our firm at 1-888-278-6688 and schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced San Diego car accident lawyers today.