The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist

Many families take time away from work to see loved ones, go on vacation, or just to simply enjoy the open road. If you and your family are planning a road trip, there are a couple of things you can do to make sure your road trip goes as smoothly as possible.

How to Prep Your Car for a Road Trip

Before you begin the process of actually packing your car the next time you're planning a road trip, make sure everything is in working order so you don't run into any costly surprises while you're away from home. The experts at Mavis can check all of the following and more:

Oil Change

Mavis will take a look at your mileage and dipstick and if it looks like you're close to needing another oil change soon, we'll make recommendations as to whether or not you should have it done before you leave or if it can wait until after you return.

Tires

Before your big trip, make sure the tread on each tire has sufficient traction. Check the tire pressure in each tire – the correct pressure for your vehicle's tires is found in the owner's manual – and be certain that your spare is inflated and in good condition.

Fluid Levels

Fluids are essential to the proper function of your vehicle. Before embarking on a road trip, you should always make sure all fluids are topped off and clean. Here are the fluids that should be checked/changed/flushed before you leave:

• Engine oil

• Transmission fluid

• Brake fluid

• Coolant

• Power steering fluid

• Windshield wiper fluid

Windshield Wiper Blades

You never know what kind of weather you're going to run into while you're out traversing the highway. Weather can change in a matter of minutes, so let the experts at Mavis make sure your wipers are up to par and can handle any weather you may encounter.

Brakes

Checking your brakes yourself or bringing your vehicle into Mavis to have them checked is not just a great idea but one of necessity. When on a road trip you want to feel confident that your brakes are in tip top shape.

Car Battery

The last thing you want, on a road trip, is a dead battery. Batteries generally last between three and five years. If you're unsure about how old your battery might be, or if you know it's several years old, it's a good idea to get it checked.

Testing your car battery is simple and Mavis can give you a reading within a few seconds. Understanding where your battery is in its natural lifeline will prevent any potential “no-starts” during your trip.

If your battery happens to read a low charge, it's a good idea to go ahead and replace it. You don't want to run the risk of becoming stranded. If your battery is fully charged, just be sure to clean away any corrosion (white, ashy substance) and ensure that everything is tightly in place.

What to pack for a road trip

Apart from what you'll need when you get to your destination, there's a lot you should pack when you’re planning a road trip. We've put together some basic packing tips for you below.

Road Trip Essentials

• Make sure you have an inflated spare tire, tire jack, and tire wrench properly stored away in the vehicle. Be sure to check your spare tire pressure before you get your trip underway.

• A good roadside emergency kit should contain jumper cables, road flares, a tire pressure gauge, a reflective vest, a first aid kit, and a flashlight with spare batteries.

So, the next time you're planning a vacation or road trip, schedule a service with your local Mavis and let our trusted experts help make sure your vehicle is prepared for the long haul. We'll be happy to help you get your vehicle road-ready and are equipped to handle any type of auto repair or maintenance you may need before you head out.