Road Trip Checklist for Your Car

If you’re ready to hit the road on an epic journey from Monticello this year, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your car makes it there and back in one piece, so you don’t wind up waiting for help along a busy Minneapolis freeway.

Schedule a Vehicle Check-Up Before Your Trip

Car Maintenance Before a Road Trip

Whether you drive a new or used car, if you’re taking a road trip there are things you should do before you ever leave your Ramsey driveway:

• Check Your Tires: Check your tire’s tread and pressure, add air if necessary, and inspect your spare.
• Fill Your Fluids: Windshield washer fluid, engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant are all necessary and should be topped off before you leave.
• Change Your Oil: If its nearly time for a regular oil change, go ahead and get the oil and filter changed, so it’s fresh before you go. When you come to us, it’s easy to get the oil change price you want.
• Get a Tune-up: Change your plugs, wires, cap, and rotor to get the best performance from your vehicle.
• Check Your Rack: If your vehicle has a luggage rack, make sure it’s secure and undamaged before you try strapping your luggage to it.

Once you’ve completed your prep work yourself or had a service tech do it for you, give your car a good wash and make a note of any damage you can take care of before you leave Anoka.

What to Pack in a Survival Kit

If you lease your vehicle or have sprung for extra coverage, you have roadside assistance protection if your vehicle breaks down. But if you don’t have protection, you find yourself without a cell signal, or the weather becomes dangerous, you had better have a survival kit packed and at the ready, and it should include the following:

• Jumper Cables
• Flares
• Reflective Triangles
• Gloves
• Tarp
• Duct Tape
• Flashlight
• Glow Sticks
• Tow Straps
• Emergency Blanket
• Rain Poncho
• Emergency Water
• Emergency Food
• First Aid Kit
• Emergency Power Source
• Glow Sticks
• Camera
• Radio
• Change of Clothing
• Pencil and Paper
• Toilet Paper
• Whistle
• Coolant
• Extra Keys

If you, or a member of your travel party, have any special needs or require special medications, make sure you have extras of those too, in case your luggage gets lost or damaged along the way.

Final Review of Your Vehicle

Whether you drive a Jeep Compass or a Ford Mustang, there are a few more things you should check before you take off. Give your car another once-over. Check the coolant, oil, and tires, and make sure you have a full tank of gas, so you don’t have to take a break too soon. For extra safety and security, don’t allow your gas tank to get below half, so if you get stranded, you’ll be able to stay warm while you wait for help.

To get a professional opinion, or to take advantage of our service coupons to help you save on the pre-trip service you need, drop by one of our Monticello-area service centers today.

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