8 Things You Need To Do Before Your Next Road Trip

Traveling by car can be wonderful fun and offers you opportunities for spontaneity that you just don’t get with any other method of transportation.

Take a little time to prepare your car before heading out - checking the battery and tires are only some of the important procedures.

We'll make a list so you’ll be able to spend your time having fun – not waiting for a tow truck or sitting in a repair shop.

First, is it time for your car to have regular maintenance? Then go ahead and have it serviced now.

If it isn’t time for a maintenance service, you’ll still need to perform a few checks to make sure everything is road-trip ready.

Check your tires and remember to take a good look at your spare as well. You want tires with a good amount of tread and no irregularities in wear.

Make sure they’re all inflated properly and that you have the tools you’ll need to change a tire. Or, if you’re heading to a snowy climate, will you need snow tires or chains?

Is it time to change the oil? If so, have it done before you go. Most oil changes these days include a check of all other fluids, as well as a look at your belts and hoses. If it isn’t time for an oil change, check the oil yourself and add oil if needed.

Use an antifreeze tester to check your coolant mixture – crucial if you’re traveling during the hot summer months or during the coldest winter months.

Your local repair shop can test your battery for you-you want to make sure it won’t conk out on you while you’re out on your trip.

Next, check your wiper blades. If they’re showing signs of wear, replace them. Also, refill your windshield washer fluid reservoir.

While you’re under the hood, take a look at your belts and hoses, and if you notice what seems like a lot of wear, drop by your local mechanic and have them take a look.

Having a belt go out while you’re on your cross-country road trip will quickly put a damper on your plans.

If your car has four-wheel drive, make sure it is engaging and disengaging properly and that anyone who will be sharing driving duties knows how it works.

The same goes if you’ll be driving a stick shift car on your adventure.

This is also a good time to check your emergency kit – which should include items for yourself and your car.

For your car, you’ll need a flashlight with working and extra batteries, flares, paper towels, duct or electrical tape, basic tools, jumper cables, and extra washer fluid.

A few extra fuses and light bulbs aren’t a bad idea either. Since you’re going on a long trip, also take along a quart of oil, a gallon of water, a gallon of coolant and your tire pressure gauge, as well.

Don't forget your cell phone car battery charger, too!

It’s also a good idea to pack food, water and whatever else you might need if you’re stranded for several hours.

If the weather is cold or damp, consider packing some clothes or blankets that are readily accessible.

If you’re traveling where it’s snowy, make sure you have supplies for that type of weather, including an ice scraper, a snow shovel and a bag of salt.

Your next step is to plan your route. Be realistic about how much distance you can cover each day. Know where you’ll be staying at each stop and make reservations.

You can use the Internet to do a search to find out if there are major delays or construction taking place along your route.

If you’re an AAA member – a very worthwhile purchase – call and get a Trip Tik, which is a personalized map to your destination, showing where you can find food, gas, places to stay and interesting things to see and do.

AAA can also be a major help if you have car trouble while you’re on your trip, so consider getting a membership before you leave on your trip.