Most preventable road trip issues come down to a short list of things you can check in your driveway before you leave. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a helpful summer driving guide that covers most of them. Going through the list ahead of time can save you a lot of trouble later. Here’s what to look at.
1. Tires
Tires are the single most common cause of preventable breakdowns. Check the pressure on all four (and the spare, if you have one), and do it when the tires are cold—before you’ve driven anywhere. The correct pressure is on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb, not the number molded into the tire itself. While you’re there, glance at the tread and look for any unusual wear patterns. Underinflated or worn tires are also harder to handle in summer heat.
2. Fluids
Pop the hood and check the basics: oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Most modern vehicles make this easy with marked dipsticks and clearly labeled reservoirs. If anything is below the minimum line, top it off before you go.
3. Lights and Wipers
Make sure all your lights work—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Check the wipers too, and replace them if they’re streaking or skipping. Both are easy to overlook and quick to fix.
4. Battery and A/C
A battery that seems fine in mild weather can struggle when temperatures climb. If your battery is more than three years old, it’s worth a quick check at most auto-parts stores—many will test it for free. While you’re at it, run the air conditioning for a few minutes to make sure it’s blowing cold air. A long drive with no A/C is a memorable trip for the wrong reasons.
5. The Emergency Kit
The National Safety Council recommends keeping a basic emergency kit in the trunk: a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, water, a phone charger, and reflective triangles or flares. Most of it lives there and rarely gets touched — but on the day you need it, you’ll be glad it’s there.
Where Auto Coverage Comes In
A pre-trip check is the goal. An auto policy is what’s there for the that are unpreventable—including roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement when your vehicle is being repaired, and liability coverage if something happens on the road. Many drivers haven’t reviewed their policy in years, and a quick conversation can flag any gaps before the next long drive.
Get an auto insurance quote or contact a Westwood agent to get started.
Please note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.
