Road Trip Checklist | Car Maintenance and What to Pack

Before You Hit the Road, Pack: The Essential Road Trip Checklist

Road trips aren’t for everyone, but if you’re the type who enjoys the journey as much as the destination, hitting the road is a great way to spend a vacation. But before you hop in the car and drive off, make sure you’re prepared for the trek. Use this road trip checklist before your next adventure to make sure your vacation is a success.

The car

• Maintenance – Ask your mechanic to perform any scheduled car maintenance and make necessary repairs. If your car isn’t ready for the trip, it might be time for a new ride. If you can’t afford the full price of a new car, look into auto loan rates. A car loan can get you into a safer, more reliable vehicle quickly.
• Car insurance – Don’t head out on the road unprotected. Make sure your insurance policy is up-to-date and consider adding roadside assistance to your policy.
• Weather appropriate – Make sure your car is equipped to handle the season. All-wheel-drive and snow tires can help keep you safe in the snow.

Supplies

• Food – Bring non-perishable items to snack on between meal stops. Beef jerky, peanut butter and trail mix will fill you up and keep without refrigeration.
• Water – Just because you’re not active doesn’t mean you don’t have to stay hydrated. Keep bottles of drinking water in your vehicle.
• Clothes – Dress for the weather, and bring warm blankets and sweaters if you’re driving in the winter.
• Money – Keep some spare money on hand in case of emergencies. To save up a little extra cash, open a savings account a few months before your trip, or look for other ways to save like an auto refinance loan  or reducing your cable television package.

Entertainment

• Music – No road trip is complete without a playlist. Load up your MP3 player, smartphone or CD player with your favorite tunes.
• Games – Pass the hours with digital word games, travel board games or one of the classics like “I Spy” or “Twenty Questions.”
• Reading materials – Catch up on some reading with books, e-readers or magazines.

Navigation

• GPS – A GPS device can help you stay on course, as well as help you find the nearest gas station or restaurant.
• Smartphone GPS app – If you don’t have a stand-alone GPS device, most smartphones come with free navigation applications that often work just as well.
• Road atlas – Sometimes nothing beats a trusty road atlas. Keep one in the car in case your electronics’ batteries die or you lose your wireless signal.

Emergency

• Car jack and spare tire – In case of a flat, make sure you have a car jack and fully inflated spare tire on hand.
• Road flares or reflectors – If you have car trouble after dark, make sure you’re visible to other vehicles with reflective triangles or road flares.
• Flashlight – Changing a tire can be tricky enough on its own without adding the element of darkness. A flashlight is easy to pack and may come in handy after the sun goes down.
• First aid kit  – Accidents can happen during your road trip, and for minor ones, it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand.

We’ve all left the house with the feeling we’ve forgotten something. Put your fears to rest by using this road trip checklist, and add your own specific items like toys for your children or your pet. Using a checklist and planning ahead is the best way to make sure your trip is a success.