A long drive puts more stress on a car than a normal week of commuting. A short inspection a week or so before you leave gives you time to fix what you find. This checklist covers what most people can check themselves, and flags what is better left to a mechanic.
When to do the inspection
Aim for about a week before departure. That leaves time to order parts or book a shop if something turns up. If the car is due for scheduled service, do that first. Our car maintenance schedule guide explains how to tell what is due.
Tires
Tires are one of the most important items on the list.
- Pressure. Check all four tires when they are cold, using the pressure on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual, not the number printed on the tire sidewall (see the right tire pressure for your car). If you will be heavily loaded, the manual may give a different figure.
- Spare. Check the spare too, if you have one, and make sure the jack and wheel tool are in the car.
- Tread. Look for even wear and for the wear bars between the tread blocks. A common quick check is a coin test, but a tread depth gauge is more reliable.
- Condition. Look for cracks, bulges, nails, or uneven wear.
Battery
- Look at the terminals for white or blue-green corrosion and make sure the clamps are tight.
- If the battery is several years old, many shops and parts stores will test it for free or a small fee.
- Slow cranking is a warning sign; see signs your car battery is dying.
Fluids
With the engine off and the car on level ground, check:
- Engine oil. Level between the marks on the dipstick, and note the color. If the car is near its oil change interval, do it before the trip; see signs you need an oil change.
- Coolant. Check the level in the reservoir when the engine is cool. Never open the radiator or reservoir cap on a hot engine. See why coolant matters.
- Brake fluid. The reservoir should be between the min and max marks. A low level can indicate worn pads or a leak and deserves a closer look; see how often to change brake fluid.
- Washer fluid. Top it off, since bugs and road grime add up on long drives.
- Transmission and power steering fluid. Check only if your car has dipsticks or reservoirs for them, and follow your manual.
Belts and hoses
Look for cracks, fraying, glazing, or bulging. Squealing on start-up can be a sign of a loose or worn belt. Do not squeeze hoses on a hot engine. If anything looks questionable, ask a shop.
Brakes
Pay attention to whether the car pulls, vibrates, or makes noise when stopping, and whether the pedal feels soft. Grinding or a long pedal travel are reasons to have the brakes inspected before leaving.
Lights and wipers
- Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards, and reverse lights. A helper or a reflective surface makes this easier.
- Check wiper blades for streaking or cracked rubber, and replace them if they are worn; see when to replace windshield wipers.
Warning lights
Start the car and watch the dash. Any warning light that stays on, especially the check engine light, oil pressure, battery, or brake warnings, should be looked at before a long trip. Our dashboard warning lights guide explains what each one means.
Air conditioning and heating
Make sure both work. If the AC blows warm, see our guide to diagnosing car AC problems, since a trip through hot weather is a poor time to find out.
What to carry
- Phone charger and a paper map or offline map
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Tire pressure gauge and, if equipped, the jack
- Flashlight, first aid kit, and warning triangles or flares
- Water, snacks, and a blanket
- Registration, insurance, and roadside assistance details
Plan for the drive itself
Rest regularly, share driving if you can, and avoid fully loading the roof if you do not need to. Heavy loads can change how the car handles and how far it can brake, so keep the weight within the limits in your manual.
Does a pre-trip inspection cost anything?
You can do most of the checklist yourself for free. A shop’s multi-point inspection is sometimes free or low cost, but pricing varies, so ask before agreeing. Any repair is a separate estimate.