Classic Toyota’s Pre-Travel Checklist for Vehicle Maintenance for Holiday Road Trips

Nov 20, 2024

Well, folks, the time has come! Mariah Carey has officially thawed out for the season, and we’re getting ready to visit our friends and family to celebrate for the next 2 months. While you’re moving and grooving to all those delightful holiday tunes and cooking up a storm, remember to make time to run through your pre-travel checklist of car maintenance tasks before you hit the road. You’ll thank us later when you’re able to reach your destination on time and have plenty of time to enjoy the meal in full from apps to mains to desserts. Feel free to print out our checklist and put it next to your shopping list so you can remember to schedule your appointments ASAP!

Update and renew all of your travel documents. About a week or so before you head out, verify that your license, registration, insurance, passport, and other vital documents and records have been renewed and are up to date. Check your glove box and center console to ensure the proper documentation is inside the vehicle.
Test your brakes. Give your brakes a good thorough check. Make sure there are no odd sounds, squishy feelings, and that you have adequate stopping power. If not, call ASAP to schedule an appointment for a checkup.
Check for adequate tire tread depth. You can use the quarter or penny method to check your tire treads are at proper depth, and if not make sure you replace any worn tires before you head out for a long day of travel.
Inflate your tires to proper pressure. Be sure to add a little air to your tires to assist in improving your ability to stop quickly and efficiently, as well as inspecting them for slow leaks or punctures.
Check and top off all fluid levels. Make sure your engine oil is at an adequate level and is clean. Fill your windshield wiper fluid with weather appropriate formulas. Ensure your coolant/antifreeze is filled to the max line. Check transmission fluid if applicable.
Ensure all mirrors and glass are free of debris and cracks. Thoroughly inspect and clean your windshields, windows, side and rearview mirrors. Call a windshield repair company for a replacement if you notice any stars or cracks in the glass, as they can easily spread and impair visibility as you travel from road debris and natural causes.
Fill your gas tank to the top, and charge your electric vehicles before you leave. Make sure you fill your gas tank up before you hit the road, as heavy delays are probable when traveling to and from holiday events. Make sure that you also plot out specific mileage points for refueling and get an average fuel cost for your trip. There’s nothing worse than being hit with unexpected traffic delays and experiencing range anxiety. Knowing when and where you can stop to recharge and refuel can alleviate a lot of unnecessary stressors.
Carry cash in case of emergencies. Do your best to stop by the bank and take out some cash to have on hand in case of emergency. This can be helpful in case of unexpected need for towing or other travel expenses. It can also save you money at the gas pump by avoiding higher charges for credit/debit cards. It also doesn’t hurt to make sure you have a roll of quarters in case you get in the wrong lane on toll roads.
Double check your emergency car kit. It’s always a great idea to replenish your supplies and ensure that your roadside emergency kit has everything you need. Check flashlights for batteries; ensure that LED flares have been recharged; replenish your tire repair kit or fix-a-flat canisters; replace your emergency clothing with winter gear; ensure your spare tire is inflated or donut is in good condition; etc.
Charge all of your portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, GPS devices, etc. The night before you’re ready to travel, ensure that you recharge your portable battery jumpstarter, your tire inflator pump, and all of your phones. There’s nothing worse than being caught in the lurch on low power! Make sure that all passengers of your vehicle have fully charged devices in event of emergency. Properly charge all portable power banks and ensure that you have adequate charging cables for all devices.
Pack a bag of emergency toiletries and shelf-stable goods. It’s never a bad idea to bring a portable pack of paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, flushable wipes, hand sanitizer, travel soaps, disinfectant spray, and basic first aid supplies. It also can be helpful to have shelf stable snacks and food on hand as well as potable water in bottles or jugs.