The week of Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and the worst time to discover a problem is on the shoulder of I-75 with a car full of family. Most roadside breakdowns trace back to a handful of things you can check, or have checked, before you leave. Here's our pre-trip list.
The 10-point pre-trip checklist
- Tire pressure and tread. Set pressure to the number on your driver's door jamb with the tires cold, and check tread depth. Don't forget the spare. (More in our post on why your tire pressure light comes on in cold weather.)
- Oil level and service due date. If you're close to your next oil change, do it before the trip, not after. A long highway drive is no time to be overdue.
- Coolant. Check the level in the overflow reservoir with the engine cold. Never open a hot radiator cap.
- Brakes. Squealing, grinding, a soft pedal, or vibration when you stop all mean get them checked before you load up the car.
- Battery. If your battery is more than three years old or slow to crank, have it tested. (See 6 warning signs your battery is failing.)
- Wipers and washer fluid. Replace streaky or chattering blades and top off the washer fluid.
- Lights. Walk around the car with someone pressing the brakes and turn signals. Check headlights, taillights, brake lights, and hazards.
- Belts and hoses. Look for cracks, fraying, bulges, or leaks. A failed serpentine belt can stop you within minutes.
- Heat and defrost. Make sure the heater and defroster work before you need them on a cold, foggy morning.
- Open recalls. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It takes a minute, and recall repairs are normally done by a dealer at no charge.
Pack a simple roadside kit
Even a well-maintained car can get a flat. Keep these in the trunk:
- Phone charger and a printed list of emergency numbers
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Basic first-aid kit
- Water, snacks, and a blanket
- Tire pressure gauge
- Reflective triangles or flares
Pay attention on the road
Once you're on the way, watch your gauges. If a warning light comes on, the temperature gauge climbs, or you notice a new noise, smell, or vibration, pull off somewhere safe and check rather than pushing on to your destination. A small problem caught early is usually a small repair.
Let us do the checking for you
Book a pre-trip inspection about a week before you leave so there's time to handle anything we find. Our technicians in Roswell will go through the essentials and give you a straight answer on what needs attention now and what can wait. Learn more about our maintenance services or book an appointment.
Book an appointment or call 678-795-0331
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I get my car checked before a road trip?
About a week before you leave is ideal. That leaves time to order parts and finish any repairs without rushing, especially around holidays when shops get busy.
How do I check if my car has an open recall?
Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Your VIN is on your registration, insurance card, and the lower corner of the windshield on the driver's side. Recall repairs are normally done by the manufacturer's dealer at no charge, though that guarantee doesn't cover every older vehicle. If your car is more than about 15 years old, check with the manufacturer too.
