Road Trip Maintenance Checklist

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Dec 18, 2014
Messages
1,903
Here's what I have so far. Feel free to comment with anything you think should be added.

Pre-Road Trip Maintenance Checklist
Check Oil
Check hoses
Check belt
Check engine & intercooler coolant
Check tire pressure & tread
Check spare tire pressure, jack, make sure wrench on hand for all lugs
Check brake fluid
Check battery & alternator
Check CV boots
Clean glass & lights (make sure they all work)
Clean interior
Clean exterior (if able)
 
Last edited:
Check your emergency tool kit and bring some spare fuses. I would also suggest you bring a tire plug kit and inflator in case you get a flat. Maybe carry some extra oil if you engine uses oil.
 
I just keep all the vehicles maintained. I would not hesitate to get in any of our vehicles and drive anywhere without even opening the hood. Fluids are always kept checked and full, tires are inspected regularly (including spares), windows are kept clean, wipers are kept in good condition and blades replaced regularly. I also don't cart around a bunch of tools, parts or extra fluids-the exception being washer fluid if I plan on traveling when roads are extremely sloppy for extended periods.
 
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I just keep all the vehicles maintained. I would not hesitate to get in any of our vehicles and drive anywhere without even opening the hood. Fluids are always kept checked and full, tires are inspected regularly (including spares), windows are kept clean, wipers are kept in good condition and blades replaced regularly. I also don't cart around a bunch of tools, parts or extra fluids-the exception being washer fluid if I plan on traveling when roads are extremely sloppy for extended periods.
+1.

A couple years ago my brother needed me to drive to Montana because he had car trouble. I had a 1997 Toyota Camry with 194k miles. I didn't pop the hood before going or check the tire pressure.

I take the Jeep out to the desert 100-150 miles 1 way every couple weeks. I never pop the hood before going, it's fine.
 
Not maintenance, but some items you may want to carry with you......

triangle emg. road reflectors
disposable paper cover-alls
hand cleaner or wipes
emg. strobe light
LED flashlights
paper towels
bottled water
granola bars
ground cloth
tow strap
blanket
flares
cash
AK-47 (or equivalent)
 
If you're going to carry things in the car for a potential "emergency," you probably should carry those along at all times. Those can come in handy 30 miles from home just as easily as 300 miles.
 
I am with Pop Rivit, With the weather being very cold and deadly I try and keep things all up to date weekly. Having done the pre trip check list on the job for transport of Hazardous materials its a stitch in time saves nine.
Check out the pre trip list pro truckers have to go through daily.
 
Originally Posted By: oilpsi2high
Here's what I have so far. Feel free to comment with anything you think should be added.

Pre-Road Trip Maintenance Checklist
Check Oil
Check hoses
Check belt
Chek engine & intercooler coolant
Check tire pressure & tread
Check spare tire pressure, jack, make sure wrench on hand for all lugs
Check brake fluid
Check battery & alternator
Check CV boots
Clean glass & lights (make sure they all work)
Clean interior
Clean exterior (if able)


Good list but these things should have already been maintained. Its Friday. You leave on Sunday. Lets say you find a bad CV boot or transmission leak. Now what?
Your going to have to rush around and fix it your self on top of getting ready for the trip OR pay through the nose to get it fixed on the weekend at some [censored] chainstore repair shop.
 
A package of wet wipes for interior spills, cleanups, etc. You make messes in the car when travelling.

I second the tire patch/plug kit and some form of compressed air or nitrogen. I use a tank but an electric air pump is OK, just be sure to test it before you leave as the ones I see are low quality.

You can also use an inflator that screws into a spark plug hole, has a hose long enough to reach the furthest rear tire, and an inflator valve. To use, you pull one plug, fire up the motor, and let the engine pump your tire. Don't overlook the fact you will need the proper spark plug socket and ratchet with the correct extensions etc to actually reach a spark plug (doesn't matter which one).

Yeah, the motor runs a little rough, but not rough enough to stall. It's the kind of high reliability, low technology tool I prefer, because "always works" in my book is better than "probably works, I hope".

Way more robust than the noisy, leaky, dubious reliability electric inflators I usually see for sale. Like I said I carry a 10 gallon tank inflated to 125 psi, but I prefer it for versatility. In a car, with your only need for air being a tire, it's overkill.

Another plus for carrying a full jug of windshield washer fluid, and checking the wiper blades and washer pump before leaving.

You should be carrying your emergency car kit. Have a look to make sure everything is stocked up and useful, versus melted chocolate bars and bandaids glued to the container.

I always carry a small coffee can (or similar, metal can with plastic lid) with a roll of toilet paper (you can remove some to make it fit) and a bottle of hand sanitizer. Of course there is the obvious use, but also in an emergency it makes a useful source of dry fire kindling. Don't be afraid to buy the large refill-sized bottle of sanitizer; it's a very effective fire starter and if you need a fire, well, not having a means to start one in the rain is a big deal.
 
Everybody seems to do what I do...
I do carry fix a flat incase I get stuck in a very bad neighborhood and I also stow away some cash
and checks along with a fresh credit card in a small bag under the spare tire in the trunk- just incase
something goes bad- lost wallet- robbed etc.
I also load up a few blankets and some water and granolas- you never know
wink.gif
 
Maintenance is key. Youre not going to remediate a bunch of long-standing issues in short order when getting ready to go. Need to keep up with things and be aware of your vehicle - or have someone else trustworthy being aware for you.

For me, I wouldnt be opposed to taking a few extra things if Im going on a real long road trip (say, 1000 miles or more and away from home more than a day or so). But they would still be minimal... Just enough tools to swap a battery or tighten something if need be. Fluids and jumper cables are also a consideration, as is a tire pump of some sort. Some of these things you may not necessarily always carry, but may be prudent if going on a long trip through some more barren countryside where you dont know what's what.
 
Where are you going?

When I drive from NH to CT, or up into ME, I generally do nothing more than fill up. I'm never out of cell coverage, and I keep my vehicles in good running condition.

Now, if I were to head out some place where it's miles and miles between exits, in hot summer weather (or in cold weather) I might reconsider. Appropriate clothing in case of a hike. But to be realistic, I'm probably not going to be able to repair anything outside of changing out a flat--and it's been a very long time since I've had even that.
 
Heading to Bethel Maine from Albany NY. 2007 Cobalt SS Supercharged with 127,000 miles on 4 good Blizzak snow tires. I'm the original owner and have always kept up with all maintenance and repairs.
 
Originally Posted By: oilpsi2high
Heading to Bethel Maine from Albany NY. 2007 Cobalt SS Supercharged with 127,000 miles on 4 good Blizzak snow tires. I'm the original owner and have always kept up with all maintenance and repairs.


Then no worries.

Bethel looks close enough to NH to have electricity, so no worries there either.
wink.gif


Quick look does have you going through northern NH. Should be a nice scenic drive.
 
If your car is maintained at a garage, I would loosen the lugs and then torque them properly. You don't want to try to change a flat on the highway only to find out that the garage tightened your lugs to 4,634ft/lbs, and the 12" lug wrench supplied with your car can't loosen them.

I like to bring a basic tool kit, with at least enough tools to change a drivebelt, lightbulbs and battery.

In addition to a tool kit, I carry the following in daily drivers and for long roadtrips...
-Spare drive belt (at least for alternator and water pump)
-Flares
-Tire plug kit and inflator for the car with a compact spare
-Jumper cables
-Cheap rain poncho
-Gloves
-Flashlight
-3' D-handle shovel in the winter
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom