7 Important Things to Check Before Taking a Road Trip

Quick answer: Before taking a road trip, check seven things: your route, your car’s condition, the weather forecast, your emergency kit, your car paperwork, your food and water supplies, and your travel insurance. Ticking these off means you can set off without a care in the world.

A road trip is one of the most exciting ways to spend a holiday. You discover places that might not be on a map, act as your own tour guide, and decide when to take breaks, where to spend a night or two and what to explore. The one thing you can’t leave to chance is safety, so here are the most important things to check before you hit the road.

1. Check for Changes on Your Route

Map out your road trip route beforehand. Letting the road take you wherever sounds more fun, but in reality it can leave you stranded at the side of the road with no gas station in sight.

Before you leave, find out where these are along the way:

• Gas stations
• Mechanic shops
• Small towns with a hospital for emergencies
• Any road works that could affect your route

With everything planned, you won’t panic if something goes wrong, because you’ll know exactly where to go.

2. Make Sure Your Car Is in Top Shape

On a road trip you rely entirely on your car, so check that it can handle the mileage and carry out all the necessary safety checks and replacements before you go.

• Fluids and tires: replace all fluids and check tire pressure and tread depth.
• Damage and cracks: look for anything that might get worse during the drive, especially on windows and other glass. If you spot a problem, contact professionals for glass repair before heading out.
• Mechanic check: to be 100 percent certain everything is up to standard, have your mechanic perform a routine check. It will give you peace of mind on the road.

3. Check the Weather Forecast

Know what weather you’ll be driving through for hours on end. If a storm is forecast for the day you plan to set off, it’s best to postpone the trip by a day or two.

Driving in dry conditions is relaxing and fun, and you get to enjoy the scenery. Driving while it’s raining heavily, on the other hand, means staying focused on the road at all times and adds stress because of the difficult conditions.

4. Make Sure Your Car Emergency Kit Is Fully Stocked

Go through every item in your emergency kit to make sure it’s all there and working. Your kit should include:

• A flashlight with fresh batteries
• Jumper cables or a fully charged jump pack
• A small tool kit for minor emergency repairs
• A full first-aid kit with nothing past its expiry date

5. Check That Your Car’s Paperwork Is in Order

This is especially important if your road trip crosses several countries. Make sure you have:

• A valid car insurance policy
• Your registration and driver’s licence
• Your roadside assistance number
• The owner’s manual and warranty information, in case repairs are needed along the way and you’re not confident with small repairs

6. Pack Plenty of Food and Drink

Ideally, everything will go to plan and you’ll make all the stops you need to rest, eat and have fun. It’s still smart to be prepared for the unexpected by packing additional snacks and water.

Energy bars are a good choice because they take up little room and keep you going for longer. Bring enough water too; juices tend to make you thirstier, so water is always the smarter choice.

7. Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance

Car insurance paperwork is important, but so is travel insurance, so you’re covered personally in case of an emergency. Carry one set of paperwork for your vehicle and one for yourself, just to be on the safe side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check on my car before a road trip?

Replace the fluids, check tire pressure and tread depth, look for cracks or damage (especially on the glass), and ask your mechanic for a routine check.

What should be in a road trip emergency kit?

A flashlight with fresh batteries, jumper cables or a jump pack, a small tool kit and a fully stocked, in-date first-aid kit.

What documents do I need for a road trip?

Car insurance, registration, driver’s licence, roadside assistance number, the owner’s manual and warranty information, plus your own travel insurance.

Should I drive if a storm is forecast?

It’s best to postpone your trip by a day or two, since heavy rain makes driving more demanding and stressful.

Conclusion

Once you’ve checked your route, car, weather, emergency kit, paperwork, supplies and insurance, you’re ready to set off. Your car is in top shape and everything has been packed, checked and rechecked, so have a great road trip!