One of the most popular ways for Americans to travel is by taking road trips, and to ensure an enjoyable journey, travelers need to check a few things before leaving. From road closures and detours to dead phone batteries and other issues, Reddit users revealed a road trip checklist you should pay attention to before hitting the road!
Check Tire Pressure, Including the Spare
A tire with insufficient air pressure is an essential part of any road trip checklist because it can cause an accident and increase fuel consumption, as the engine has to work harder to move the car. Furthermore, an under-inflated tire is more prone to punctures. And don’t forget to check the spare tire, because the pressure may change with the temperature. Reddit user juicemagic added: “You also need to check the tire’s age and condition.”
Test Your Battery
One of the most common reasons for roadside assistance calls during road trips is battery failure. Naturally, older batteries are more vulnerable to extreme heat and cold. Checking your battery and cleaning any corrosion from the terminals before you leave should be on every road trip checklist. Reddit user CerebralAccountant mentioned: “Six years is a normal lifespan for a 12V battery. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to check the voltage and make sure it’s still charging enough.”
Check Fluids
If your car is low on fluids, it could overheat or develop costly engine problems, which can be a real issue if you are far from home. Checking the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid belongs on every road trip checklist. Reddit user Lumberjill_241 noted: “A coworker mentioned she ran out of windshield wiper fluid while driving home for Christmas and had a very stressful 20 minutes of not being able to see well through salt spray.”
Download Offline Maps
Mobile internet services, and GPS navigation, can disappear surprisingly quickly in national parks, mountain regions, and along rural routes. Therefore, the best alternative is to download maps in Google for offline use, and also write your hotel reservation details on paper. Downloading offline maps is another important road trip checklist item. Reddit user Pathfinder6a remarked: “Old school paper maps at interstate rest stops or AAA TripTiks would also help.”
Check the Weather Along Your Entire Route
Weather conditions can change drastically every few hundred miles. As you cross mountains and travel through deserts, the weather you experience can vary significantly, so monitoring it should be included in your road trip checklist. Try to use weather apps to anticipate heavy rain, snow, strong winds, or extreme heat. Reddit user calvin2028 noted: “I use Morecast and it shows current info and planning for up to four days ahead.”
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Look for Road Construction and Closures
Road construction or renovation along your planned route can add several extra hours to your trip. Events such as rockslides, flooding, or wildfires will also alter your plans. You should check the Department of Transportation website or Google Maps alerts. Reddit user clapped-out-cammy revealed: “In Utah, there is an interactive map listing seasonal closures, chain laws, and other info needed for traveling.”
Pack a Small Emergency Kit
An emergency situation could arise during your road trip, and being able to handle it easily using basic items you already have on hand could prove useful. That is why you should carry a flashlight, phone charger, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, first aid kit, bottled water, and basic tools in your car. Packing those supplies is another road trip checklist essential. Reddit user 172116 added: “If you drive in areas that get snow, you can use the car mats in a pinch, but a folding snow shovel would help.”
Make Sure Your Insurance and Roadside Assistance Are Current
It is best to ensure your car insurance and roadside assistance are active before starting your trip. In case your car breaks down, keep your insurance card, roadside assistance membership details, and emergency contact numbers handy. Confirming your insurance should be on your road trip checklist. Reddit user Spliferela remarked: “If I don’t get the insurance, and something happens, it will cost me more than if I had bought the insurance in the first place.”
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Plan Fuel Stops Ahead of Time
When taking road trips through rural areas and national parks, gas stations won’t be found every mile. Fuel prices also vary depending on the city or town you are in, so you should refuel before your tank drops below a quarter full, in addition to identifying stations in remote locations. Refueling early is an important road trip checklist tip. Reddit user [borrado] commented: “I try to use GasBuddy’s trip planner to keep my fuel costs down. It’ll tell you where to stop and how many gallons to buy.”
Bring More Water and Snacks Than You Think You’ll Need
You shouldn’t expect a negative situation to arise, but in case an accident slows you down, the weather forces you to drive more slowly, or there are roadworks along your route, it would be best to have extra water and snacks on hand. After all, grocery stores along the highway can be spaced quite far apart, so packing extra water and snacks is another road trip checklist essential. Reddit user [borrado] revealed: “I buy a lot of snacks, and also an ice chest with drinks. If I need more, I find a grocery store.”
Tell Someone Your Route
Letting someone know the route you plan to take ensures that at least one person knows where you will be traveling, especially given that there are areas with poor mobile phone coverage. You should share details such as your route, where you plan to stop for a rest, and your estimated time of arrival. Sharing your route is a smart road trip checklist step.
Don’t Assume Everything Will Be Open
Not assuming that all local businesses will be open and available to you can save you a headache. Restaurants in small towns don’t usually keep the same opening hours as those in big cities, so they may close earlier. Attractions and visitor centers may operate seasonally, so be sure to check online, just as you should check hotel check-in times.
Conclusion
In short, you should know that a high-quality road trip doesn’t just happen by chance; it requires planning and anticipating situations that could cause stress. The goal is for you to enjoy the journey, and if you take a few hours to sort out these details, you’ll practically guarantee your well-being on the road. Following a road trip checklist helps ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey.
