DRIVING TIPS

Road Trip Car Checklist

Planning a trip? Don't neglect your ride there. Explore below for some tips you might want to take into consideration before heading out. Visit a goodyear tire service center to schedule vehicle maintenance services and ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey ahead.

Road Trip Essential Vehicle Prep: Car Maintenance Before a Road Trip

What should you check on your vehicle before a road trip

Driver's Documentation. Always be sure to bring your driver's license, registration, car insurance policy documents and the vehicle's owner's manual.
Proper Tire Inflation. Smooth, even driving starts with your tires. Check your tire air pressure before your trip and at least once a month. NOTE: Tires should be inflated, when cool, to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in your vehicle's owner's manual, NOT the maximum limit stamped on a tire sidewall.1 Learn why proper tire pressure is important in our Tire Air Pressure article.
Spare Tire. Make sure that your spare tire has been properly inflated to the owner’s manual specifications. For more information about a vehicle’s spare tire, please read our spare tire guide
Air Filter. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage, which translates to real savings at the pump.
Spark Plugs. Worn or dirty spark plugs can cause misfiring, which wastes fuel -replacing these per your vehicle's owner's manual can lead to a better performing vehicle.
Gas Cap. Damaged, loose, or missing gas caps waste gas.
Water and Antifreeze. Keep an extra bottle of new antifreeze/coolant and a gallon of water in your truck.
First Aid Kit. Carry additional medical supplies handy such as adhesive tape, band-aids, bandages or gauzes, antiseptic wipes and even a list of emergency phone numbers.
Vehicle Emergency Kit. Different than the First Aid Kit, a vehicle emergency kit may contain a flashlight with extra batteries, a tire pressure gauge, battery jumper cables, light sticks, a reflective emergency vest, rain ponchos, and even an umbrella in case of inclement weather.