Before a long road trip, check the fluids, tyres (including the spare), battery, brakes, lights, wipers and belts, make sure no warning lights are on, and pack an emergency kit — ideally a week ahead, so there is time to fix whatever you find. Most roadside breakdowns trace back to a handful of these items. Each section below links to a detailed guide, so you can work through the list one job at a time.
A Week Before: Look at the Basics
- Warning lights. Nothing should be lit on the dash. Read stored codes with a scanner if the check engine light is on or flickering — see the OBD-II scanner guide, and don’t set off with a flashing light. A service reminder is explained in maintenance required light on.
- Service due? If an oil change is near, do it before the trip — see how often to change engine oil.
- Listen and feel. Note any new noises, vibrations or pulls and have them looked at first.
Fluids
| Check | Guide |
|---|---|
| Engine oil level and condition | How to check engine oil level properly |
| Coolant level (engine cold) | How to check coolant level safely; age: how often to flush engine coolant |
| Brake fluid level and age | How to check your brake fluid level; how often to flush brake fluid |
| Power steering fluid (if hydraulic) | How to check power steering fluid level |
| Windshield washer fluid | How to check and top up windshield washer fluid |
Tyres, Brakes and Suspension
- Tyre pressure — check when cold, and adjust for a heavy load as the manual says. See how to check tyre pressure correctly and TPMS light on.
- Tread and age — see how to check tyre tread depth and how often to replace tyres.
- The spare, jack and key — see how to check your spare tyre and jack.
- Brakes — listen for squeals and grinding, and check pad thickness. See brake pad wear indicators and how often to replace brake pads.
Battery, Belts and Lights
- Battery. Check its age and terminals — how to read a car battery date code, how often to replace your car battery and how to clean the terminals. A quick charging check is in how to test a car alternator with a multimeter.
- Drive belt and hoses. Look for cracks, fraying and leaks — serpentine belt inspection.
- Lights. Test headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights; see how to tell if a headlight bulb is failing.
- Wipers. Replace tired blades — how often to replace windshield wipers.
- Filters. A clogged engine or cabin filter hurts economy and comfort — see engine air filter and cabin air filter.
Let the engine and exhaust cool before touching hoses, sensors or connectors, and never open a hot cooling system. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing away from belts and fans, which can start without warning.
What to Pack
- Spare, jack, wheel wrench and locking nut key (checked)
- Jump leads or a portable starter — see how to jump-start a car safely and with a portable jump starter
- Tyre pressure gauge and a 12-volt compressor
- Torch, gloves, a reflective vest and warning triangle
- First-aid kit, water, snacks, phone charger and a paper map or offline maps
- A small amount of oil and coolant for topping up
- Your documents, insurance and breakdown cover details
On the Road
- Plan stops every couple of hours for you and the engine.
- Watch the gauges. Pull over if the temperature climbs or a warning light appears.
- Re-check tyre pressure if you’re heavily loaded or temperatures change significantly.
- Don’t ignore new noises or smells; stop and investigate.
Can I Set Off Without Checking?
You can, but it’s the long trips that expose small faults: heat, load and sustained speed find the weak battery, the old tyre and the low coolant. Do the basics first. If a warning light is on or the car has any unexplained symptoms, get it checked before leaving — see our flashing light guide.
When to See a Mechanic
For a pre-trip inspection if you don’t want to do it yourself, or if you find worn brakes, perished tyres, a weak battery or leaks. Allow a week for repairs. More in our maintenance section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before a long road trip?
Fluids, tyres including the spare, the battery, brakes, lights, wipers and belts, and make sure no warning lights are on.
How far ahead should I prepare the car?
About a week, so there is time to buy parts and fix anything the checks turn up.
Should I change the oil before a long trip?
If a service is due or close, yes. Otherwise at least check the oil level and condition.
What tyre pressure should I use when loaded?
Follow the loaded-vehicle figure in your manual or on the door placard, which is often higher than the normal pressure.
What should be in a car emergency kit?
A checked spare and jack, jump leads or a jump starter, a torch, warning triangle, reflective vest, first-aid kit, water and a phone charger.
