How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

Posted on March 13th, 2020 by ncapmanage

Have your vehicle inspected to ensure everything is in working shortly before you take your trip. Make an appointment with your mechanic or do the inspection at least two weeks ahead of when you plan on leaving. There may be issues with your car that will take time to fix, and you may need to order auto parts in Alsip to fix the problems.

Pack Up

Pack your clothes, snacks, and some bottled water. Packing for a road trip should also include packing emergency supplies in the trunk – and making sure they are always easily accessible. Include motor oil, antifreeze (radiator fluid), jumper cables, flashlight, flares, a fire extinguisher, blankets, a first aid kit, and some additional non-perishable food and drinking water.

You should already have a spare tire, but if it’s a small donut, it’s not a bad idea to bring a full-sized spare tire along if you have room. Keep it stowed in the trunk, along with the tire iron, in case you get a flat far from civilization. It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of cash as well as a credit card. You never know when an unexpected repair will be needed and some remote areas of the country may not have a convenient ATM.

Know the Basics

Make sure to become familiar with performing basic tasks on your car. If you don’t already know how, have your mechanic or a knowledgeable friend show you how to change your tire, check the oil and transmission fluids as well as the radiator fluid level. You’ll want to check these before you head out for the day on an infrequently traveled road.

Roadside Assistance

Before leaving on your road trip, you might consider joining a roadside assistance program such as the American Automobile Association (AAA). Make sure to sign up with a service that includes long-distance towing in case you break down far from a mechanic. 

Contact Us

If any repairs need to be made before you take off on your trip, know that our shop sells auto parts in Alsip at affordable prices. Reach out today if you are looking for a specific part and our team can help you out!