Cross-Country Road Trip Checklist
Prepare for an epic cross-country journey with our comprehensive vehicle maintenance and safety checklist. Ensure your car is road-trip ready to avoid breakdowns and enjoy the drive.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
A cross-country trip puts unique stress on a vehicle due to sustained high speeds, varying altitudes, and long operating hours. This checklist ensures your vehicle's primary systems are robust enough to handle thousands of miles without intervention.
For a DIY enthusiast, a full inspection and basic fluid service typically take 2 to 4 hours. If you prefer a professional shop, expect a 'Trip Inspection' service to take about 1 to 2 hours, excluding any necessary repairs found during the process.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Level/Quality | Required | DIY | 5 min | Level between marks; not black/gritty | Top off or change oil/filter |
| Tire Pressure (All 5) | Required | DIY | 10 min | Matches door jamb PSI (check spare!) | Inflate to spec; check for leaks |
| Tire Tread Depth | Required | DIY | 5 min | At least 4/32" for long trips | Replace tires if worn or uneven |
| Brake Pad Thickness | Required | Shop/DIY | 20 min | At least 5mm remaining material | Replace pads and inspect rotors |
| Coolant Level/Condition | Required | DIY | 5 min | Level in reservoir; no debris | Top off with correct mix; pressure test |
| Battery Terminals | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No corrosion; tight connections | Clean with wire brush; tighten |
| Serpentine Belt | Required | DIY | 5 min | No cracks, fraying, or glazing | Replace belt immediately |
| Wiper Blades | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No streaks; rubber is pliable | Replace blades |
| Washer Fluid | Optional | DIY | 2 min | Reservoir is full | Fill with bug-remover formula |
| Air Filter | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Clean; no heavy dust or debris | Replace filter |
| Headlights/Signals | Required | DIY | 5 min | All bulbs functioning (High/Low) | Replace bulbs |
| Brake Fluid Level | Required | DIY | 2 min | Level between Min/Max marks | Top off; check for system leaks |
| Spare Tire Kit | Required | DIY | 5 min | Jack and lug wrench present/functional | Procure missing tools |
| Transmission Fluid | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Pink/Red color; correct level | Service transmission if dark/burnt |
| Suspension Boots | Recommended | Shop/DIY | 15 min | No tears in CV boots or ball joints | Replace boots/joints to avoid failure |
| Cabin Air Filter | Optional | DIY | 10 min | No odors; filter is white/grey | Replace for passenger comfort |
| Hose Condition | Required | DIY | 10 min | No soft spots, bulges, or leaks | Replace brittle or leaking hoses |
| Wheel Alignment | Recommended | Shop | 30 min | Car drives straight; wheel centered | Perform professional alignment |
Use this table as your primary guide before leaving. Check off each item as you complete it, and pay special attention to the 'Required' items which are critical for safety and vehicle reliability.
If you are unsure about any mechanical check, such as brake pad thickness or belt tension, it is highly recommended to have a shop perform a multi-point inspection. A small fee now can save thousands in towing and emergency repairs later.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Once your inspection is complete, keep a record of what was checked and any parts replaced. This documentation is valuable for your vehicle's history and your own peace of mind.
- Keep all receipts for parts or professional service in the glovebox.
- Reset your trip odometer or maintenance light if an oil change was performed.
- Dispose of old oil, coolant, and batteries at an authorized recycling center.
- Double-check that all caps (oil, coolant, washer) are tightened before closing the hood.
- Pack a physical map or download offline maps in case of GPS failure.
- Verify your insurance and roadside assistance memberships are active.
- Check your lug nut torque if you rotated your tires.
- Browse similar Maintenance and Summer checklists for more tips.
Related Checklists
More checklists with similar tags (mileage, interval, season, tasks).
FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.