What to Check on Car Before Road Trip
Regular car maintenance is important for your INFINITI all the time, but it's especially critical before a road trip. After all, "the middle of nowhere" is a terrible place for a minor issue to become a major ordeal! While some car emergencies can't be prevented, you can help reduce your risk of car trouble with a few minutes of prep before you go. Here's what to check on your car before a road trip:
Tires
Check the tire pressure in all four of your tires, and visually inspect your tires for any signs of damage, uneven tread wear, or low tread levels. Check your spare tire, too, and be sure it's ready for use.
Battery
Check your car battery's cable connection points for corrosion (clean this off using or poor connection. You'll also want to check the voltage on your battery to ensure it's not nearing the end of its life. Pro tip: If you don't have a battery tester or multimeter, head to your local INFINITI dealer for a complimentary battery check.
Brakes
If your brakes are spongy, squealing, or squeaking, it may be time to replace your brake pads— and you'll want to do that BEFORE you hit the road.
Lights, Signals, and Electrical Systems
Have someone watch from outside the car while you switch on your high and low beam lights, fog lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Test your brake lights, too.
Heat and Air Conditioning
Depending on what season it is, you'll want to test your heat, A/C, or both to ensure you and your passengers can stay comfortable for the ride (and safe in case of an emergency in extreme temperatures)
Fluids
While this isn't an exhaustive list, here are a few fluids you'll want to check and replace or top off as needed:
- oil
- coolant
- windshield wiper fluid
- brake fluid
- power steering fluid
Pro tip: It's a good idea to get an oil change before your trip, even if you're not due for one yet.
Filters
It's fairly easy to check and replace your engine air filter and cabin air filter yourself. You'll also want to inspect your oil filter, and that task might be best left to the pros (most oil change services come with an oil filter check and replacement).
Belts
Similar to hoses, you can check these yourself if you know where to look. Check for any fraying or tears, and if you don't feel confident that your hoses are in tip-top shape, turn to the pros in your local INFINITI dealership's service division for help.
Should I Get a Tune-Up Before a Road Trip?
Maybe you've got the basics down, but there are some things you'd rather not deal with when it comes to car maintenance before a road trip. If that's the case — or if you simply don't have time for your own thorough checks before you hit the road — then it's always a good idea to schedule an inspection and tune-up for your INFINITI before your trip. A tune-up can ensure your engine is up to the task of long run times, and service pros can quickly and easily address any other maintenance red flags.
How to Prepare Car for Road Trip
When it comes to packing your car for a road trip, you need every inch of space! Before you start loading up luggage, clean out any excess items in your trunk, cargo space, or interior consoles. While you're cleaning out and tidying up, check your INFINITI's emergency kit and replenish any supplies that are running low or missing.
Don't have an emergency kit for your INFINITI? It's time to fix that. Gather items like battery jumper cables, hazard signs, and bottled water — or grab a ready-to-go emergency road kit that comes with all the essentials. In addition to your road kit, pack a first aid kit, extra snacks, bottled water, and blankets (if it's cold out).
Last, but certainly not least, make sure you have all the accessories you need for a successful road trip. A cargo rack can be a true lifesaver for a long trip, and upgraded floor mats can keep your INFINITI clean throughout your adventures in snow, rain, or mud.
How to Prepare Car for Road Trip
Road trip prep is easy when you shop directly with INFINITI. Find OEM replacement parts and the best road trip accessories online, and stop by your local INFINITI service center for installation, tune-ups, oil change service, and more.