Holiday road trips are a tradition for a lot of families, whether it’s a few hours to the grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving or a long drive to see friends over New Year. They’re also when roads are busiest and the weather is least predictable. A little preparation the week before makes the drive calmer, safer and a lot more pleasant. Use this checklist to get your car, your cabin and your plan ready.
A week before: check the car
Give yourself a few days so there’s time to fix anything you find.
Tires
Check the pressure on all four tires and the spare when the tires are cold, and set them to the figures on the sticker inside the driver’s door. Pressure drops in cold weather, so it’s worth checking again on the morning you leave. Look for uneven wear, cuts or bulges, and make sure there’s plenty of tread. A portable inflator is handy to have on board; our guide to portable tire inflators explains how to choose and use one.
Fluids
Check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid. If an oil change is due soon, have it done before the trip rather than after. Fill the washer reservoir with a winter fluid rated for freezing temperatures if you’re heading somewhere cold.
Battery
A long trip in cold weather is a bad time for a tired battery to give out. If yours is more than a few years old or has been slow to start the engine, have it tested.
Wipers, lights and brakes
Replace streaky wiper blades, and check every light, including brake lights and turn signals. If the brakes squeal, grind or feel soft, get them looked at before you go. Our tune-up checklist covers the other routine items worth a look.
Recalls
Enter your VIN on NHTSA’s free recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls to check for any open safety recalls. Dealers fix recall issues at no charge, but appointments can book up before the holidays.
Pack an emergency kit
Even a short trip can turn long if the weather changes or traffic stops. Keep these in the car:
- Phone charger or cable for the car
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- First-aid kit
- Jumper cables or a charged jump starter
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Warm blanket, gloves and a hat for everyone
- Water and snacks that won’t spoil
- Basic tools, gloves and a reflective warning triangle
If you’re driving through snow country, add a small shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction. Our list of car accessories for winter has more ideas for cold-weather trips.
Pack the car smart
Put heavy items low and as far forward in the trunk as possible, and avoid stacking bags above the rear seat backs where they can block your view or fly forward if you brake hard. Keep the things you’ll need during the drive, like snacks, wipes, chargers and medicines, in one bag within reach, so nobody has to dig through the trunk at a rest stop.
Wrapped gifts travel better in a box or laundry basket in the trunk than loose on the back seat. If you’re carrying food, an insulated bag keeps dishes steadier and contains spills.
Make the cabin comfortable and organized
A tidy, comfortable cabin makes a long drive feel shorter. A few small things help:
- Keep the console clear. A seat gap organizer like this car seat gap storage box gives phones, keys and drinks a home, and stops small items from disappearing into the gap beside the seat.
- Get bags off the floor. Seat back hooks that clip onto the headrest posts hold purses, grocery bags and snack bags. Don’t hang anything heavy that could swing into a passenger.
- Help passengers rest. A memory foam headrest pillow makes napping easier on a long stretch. Adjust the headrest properly first; a pillow shouldn’t push the head forward or replace the headrest.
For families, our guide to car accessories for kids covers seat-back organizers, travel trays and entertainment ideas. For more ways to keep things in place, see our roundup of car organizers and storage solutions.
Plan the drive
- Check the forecast and road conditions for your whole route, not just the start and end. State transportation departments publish road condition updates, and many have a 511 traveler information service.
- Avoid the busiest times when you can. The days just before a holiday are usually the most crowded. Leaving early in the morning or traveling on the holiday itself can be quieter.
- Plan rest stops. Take a break every couple of hours to stretch, switch drivers if you can, and stay alert.
- Share your plan. Let someone know your route and when you expect to arrive.
- Download maps for areas with weak phone signal.
On the road
Keep the fuel tank above half in winter, so you have a buffer if you get stuck in traffic or need to run the engine to keep warm. Leave extra space behind the car ahead, especially in rain, snow or heavy traffic. Never drive drowsy: if you’re yawning, drifting or missing exits, pull over somewhere safe and rest. And keep phones in a mount or with a passenger, not in your hand.
FAQ
How far ahead should I service my car before a holiday trip?
About a week ahead is ideal. It leaves time for parts to arrive if something needs fixing.
Do I need snow chains?
Only if you’re heading to areas where they may be required or recommended. Check the rules for the roads on your route and practice fitting them at home first.
Should I bring a spare key?
Yes, if you have one. Keep it with a passenger or in a bag, not hidden on the car. Losing the only key far from home can turn into a long, expensive wait.
What’s the most important thing to check?
Tires. Correct pressure and good tread affect braking, handling and fuel economy more than almost anything else.
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Top image: Patrick Tomasso, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons.