Summer Road Trip Packing Checklist
Prepare your vehicle for the heat and long miles with our comprehensive summer road trip maintenance checklist, covering cooling, tires, and safety essentials.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Summer driving presents unique challenges, primarily due to extreme heat which accelerates battery degradation and increases the load on your cooling system. This checklist ensures your car can handle sustained highway speeds and high ambient temperatures.
A full DIY inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours, while a professional shop can perform a comprehensive 'trip check' in about 45 minutes. Performing these checks at least one week before your departure allows time for any necessary repairs.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant Level | Required | DIY | 5 min | Level between Min/Max marks | Top off with correct mix |
| Tire Pressure | Required | DIY | 10 min | Matches door-jamb PSI | Inflate to spec |
| AC Performance | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Blows ice cold within 2 mins | Check cabin filter or shop |
| Engine Oil | Required | DIY | 5 min | Amber color; correct level | Change oil or top off |
| Battery Terminals | Required | DIY | 5 min | No white/blue corrosion | Clean with wire brush |
| Wiper Blades | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No streaks or tears | Replace blades |
| Brake Pads | Required | Shop | 20 min | At least 3mm thickness | Replace pads |
| Serpentine Belt | Required | DIY | 5 min | No cracks or fraying | Replace belt immediately |
| Spare Tire | Required | DIY | 5 min | Inflated to high PSI (usually 60) | Inflate or replace |
| Washer Fluid | Optional | DIY | 2 min | Reservoir is full | Refill with bug-wash |
| Brake Lights | Required | DIY | 2 min | All bulbs illuminate | Replace bulb |
| Air Filter | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No heavy debris or graying | Replace filter |
| Coolant Hoses | Required | DIY | 5 min | No soft spots or bulges | Replace hose |
| Transmission Fluid | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Pink/Red color; no burnt smell | Consult shop for flush |
| Headlights | Required | DIY | 2 min | Clear lenses; working bulbs | Clean or replace bulb |
| Jack/Tools | Required | DIY | 5 min | Present and functional | Purchase replacement |
| Cabin Air Filter | Optional | DIY | 10 min | Clean and odor-free | Replace filter |
| Wheel Alignment | Recommended | Shop | 30 min | Car drives straight | Schedule alignment |
Use this table as a quick-reference guide during your inspection. Mark each item as you go to ensure no system is overlooked before you hit the road.
If you are short on time, prioritize the 'Required' items first, as these are most likely to cause a breakdown or safety hazard during long-distance travel.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Once your inspection is complete, keep a record of your findings to track your vehicle's health over time.
- Keep all receipts for parts or professional service in the glovebox.
- Reset the maintenance light only if the service was actually performed.
- Dispose of old oil and coolant at an authorized recycling center.
- Double-check that all fluid caps are tightened securely.
- Verify your roadside assistance membership is active.
- Pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, and a blanket.
- Check your insurance card and registration expiration dates.
- Clean your windows inside and out for better night visibility.
- Browse similar Maintenance guides for more tips.
- See our Fluids guide for specific top-off instructions.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.