Planning a long road trip? That's Awesome. But ignoring your car before it? Too Risky.
A long drive pushes your vehicle harder than daily city runs with higher speeds, longer engine hours, changing weather, unpredictable roads. The last thing you want is to be stranded 200 km from the nearest town because of something you could have checked in 10 minutes. This is your complete, practical car maintenance checklist before a long drive written for real travelers, not mechanics.
Why You Should Never Skip a Pre-Trip Car Check
Highway driving means:
- Continuous engine load for hours.
- Higher tyre heat and pressure.
- More braking on highways and ghats.
- AC usage for long durations.
- Extra weight of luggage and passengers.
Even small issues like slightly low coolant, worn brake pads, underinflated tyres can turn into expensive roadside problems. A 30–45 minute inspection can save you from :
- A ruined trip.
- Tow truck charges.
- Hotel cancellations.
- Safety risks.
Let’s break it down properly.
1. Engine Oil : Check Level & Condition
Engine oil keeps internal components lubricated and prevents overheating during long runs.
What to do:
- Check oil level using dipstick (engine cold or as per manual).
- Oil should be between min and max marks.
- Color should be amber/brown not black and gritty.
When to change:
- If you are within 1,000 km of your service interval, change it before the trip.
- If the oil smells burnt change it.
2. Coolant Level : Prevent Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common highway breakdown causes.
Check:
- Coolant reservoir level. Never open radiator cap when hot.
- Level should be between Min & Max.
- Look for leaks under the car.
If coolant is low, top it up with the correct coolant. Do not use plain water unless it is an emergency.
3. Tyre Health : Pressure, Tread & Spare
Your tyres are your only contact with the road. Treat them seriously. Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption and blowout risk.
Check Tyre Pressure:
- Follow manufacturer PSI, usually on driver-side door.
- Check when tyres are cold.
- Don’t forget the spare tyre.
Inspect Tread Depth:
- Minimum 1.6 mm legally, but for highways aim for more.
- If tread looks worn out replace before travel.
Look for:
- Bulges.
- Sidewall cracks.
- Embedded nails.
4. Brakes : Zero Compromise Area
Brakes handle more stress during long drives, especially in hilly terrain. If you hear below get them inspected.
- Squeaking.
- Grinding.
- Vibration while braking.
Check for:
- Brake pad thickness.
- Brake fluid level.
- Brake responsiveness.
5. Battery Health : Avoid Being Stranded
A weak battery often fails without warning.
Check:
- Slow engine crank.
- Dim lights when idling.
- Battery older than 3–4 years.
If yes, get it tested. Also, clean corrosion around terminals. If you are unsure, get a battery load test done. It takes minutes.
6. Lights & Indicators
Quick 5-minute test:
- Headlights (low + high beam).
- Brake lights.
- Indicators.
- Hazard lights.
- Reverse lights.
Replace any weak bulbs before leaving.
7. Windshield, Wipers & Washer Fluid
Long drives throw everything at your windshield like dust, insects, sudden rain. Poor visibility increases fatigue and risk.
- Refill washer fluid.
- Replace wipers if streaking.
- Check windshield for cracks.
8. Air Filters
Dirty air filters reduce mileage and engine efficiency. If your car feels sluggish or hasn't been serviced recently, get:
- Engine air filter checked.
- Cabin air filter checked, especially for long AC usage.
9. AC System
Long drives without proper cooling can make the journey uncomfortable and tiring. If AC hasn’t been serviced in a while, get it inspected.
Check:
- Check cooling performance.
- Unusual smell.
- Weak airflow.
10. Emergency Kit Essentials
Even with perfect preparation, emergencies can happen. Don’t rely only on roadside assistance.
Carry:
- First aid kit.
- Portable tyre inflator.
- Jumper cables.
- Torch.
- Basic tool kit.
- Reflective triangle.
- Power bank.
Optional but smart:
- Portable jump starter.
- Tow rope.
- Extra coolant.
Important Documents to Carry
- Driving license.
- Vehicle registration.
- Insurance papers.
- Emission certificate (if required in your country).
- Roadside assistance number.
Pro Tip: Keep both digital and physical copies.
When Should You Get a Full Service Instead?
Don’t rely on “it should be fine.” Book a full service if:
- Last service was over 6 months ago.
- You are driving more than 800–1000 km.
- The car feels unstable at high speed.
- There are any warning lights on dashboard.
Smart Driving Tips for Long Trips
Your driving style impacts vehicle health. Smooth driving reduces wear and improves fuel efficiency.
- Don’t overload the car.
- Distribute luggage evenly.
- Take breaks every 2–3 hours.
- Avoid sudden braking and aggressive acceleration.
- Monitor temperature gauge during drive.
Final Pre-Departure 10-Minute Check
Before starting the trip:
- Walk around the car.
- Check tyre pressure visually.
- Check under car for leaks.
- Clean mirrors.
- Start engine and listen carefully.
If something feels off, investigate before hitting the highway.
