How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Long Road Trip

Are you planning to take a long road trip in the near future? Whether it's for work or leisure, you'll need to ensure your vehicle is ready for it. Driving for long distances can take a toll on your vehicle. You can prepare your vehicle for a long road trip, however, by following these tips.

Change the Engine Oil

It's always a good idea to change the engine oil before taking a long road trip. Automotive engines use oil for lubrication. As oil travels through the engine, it will stick to the engine's walls and parts while protecting them from friction. But engine oil doesn't last forever. It will accumulate contaminants over time that make it less effective at lubricating engines and inhibiting corrosion.

Change the Air Filters

You should consider changing your vehicle's air filters before taking a long road trip as well. Air filters are designed to remove dirt, dust and debris from the air. As they catch airborne contaminants, they'll become clogged. Less air will be able to flow through the clogged, dirty air filters.

Most vehicles have two separate air filters. They typically have an air filter for the engine and another air filter for the cabin. The former is designed to clean the air that enters the engine. The latter is designed to clean the air that enters the cabin. When preparing for a long road trip, you should consider getting both of these air filters changed.

Create a Roadside Emergency Kit

Assuming your vehicle doesn't already have one, you should create an emergency roadside kit. There's nothing worse than taking a long road trip, only for your vehicle to break down on the side of the road. Emergencies can occur, but a roadside emergency kit can help you and your passengers stay safe.

Here are some essential items to include in your roadside emergency kit:

• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Road flares
• Seatbelt cutter
• Reflective tape
• First aid supplies
• Tire pressure gauge
• Extra coolant and engine oil

Check the Fluids

Another tip to prepare for a long road trip is to check your vehicle's fluids. If you've already changed the engine oil, you don't need to worry about checking it. But there are still several other fluids you should check. They include coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and wiper fluid. Make sure they are all topped off before hitting the road.