Before a road trip: a checklist.
A long drive asks more of the car than the daily commute. A few checks before you leave make it less likely that the car spoils the trip.
By the Aperio service team · Updated 26 September 2026
Pressure, tread and the spare.
- Pressure: set it cold, to the figure on the driver's door jamb, not the maximum printed on the sidewall.
- Load: a full car or a trailer may call for a different pressure; the placard or the manual says.
- Tread and sidewalls: look for uneven wear, cuts and bulges.
- Spare or repair kit: check that it is there, inflated and complete.
Oil, fluids and the battery.
- Oil: check the level, and whether your oil-life monitor says a change will come due during the trip.
- Coolant: check the level in the reservoir with the engine cold.
- Washer fluid: top it up; bugs and road spray use a lot of it.
- Brake fluid: at the mark, with no signs of leaks.
- Battery: clean, tight terminals; an older battery is worth testing first.
Lights, wipers and brakes.
- Every light: headlights, brake lights, signals and hazards.
- Wiper blades that clear the glass without streaking.
- Brakes that feel firm and stop straight, with no grinding.
- Warning lights: have anything lit on the dashboard checked before you leave.
An emergency kit for the season.
- Phone charger, flashlight, first-aid kit and water.
- Warning triangle or flares, and jumper cables or a booster pack.
- In winter: blanket, warm clothes, snow brush, shovel and traction aid.
- Your roadside assistance number and your vehicle's papers.
Pre-road-trip inspections are included on the Aperio plan, as many as you want. Book one a few days before you leave so there is time to deal with anything it finds.
Before you go.
Should I change my oil before a road trip?
Only if it will come due during the trip. If your oil-life monitor or your manual's interval says a change is close, do it before you go; otherwise a level check is enough.
What tire pressure should I use for a road trip?
The pressure on the placard on the driver's door jamb, set when the tires are cold. Some vehicles list a higher pressure for a full load; your owner's manual says when to use it.
Is a pre-road-trip inspection included on the plan?
Yes. Pre-road-trip inspections are included on the Aperio plan, unlimited, any time you want.
Before the next long drive.
