How to prepare your car for a road trip

Checking the car a few days before a long drive leaves time to fix a problem at home instead of on the road. Most of the checks need only a tire gauge and the owner's manual.

Tires

• Set the pressure to the door placardThe right pressure is on the driver-side doorsill or in the owner's manual. The number on the sidewall is the most the tire can hold, not the pressure to fill it to.
• Fill the tires before the first drive of the dayDriving warms the tires and raises the reading, so check them cold.
• Look over the spareA tire loses air even when it isn't used, so check the spare's pressure and condition too.
• Look for bulges, cuts and cracks on each sidewall
• Test the tread with a pennyPut a penny in a groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is below 2/32 of an inch and the tire needs replacing before the trip.

Under the hood and around the car

• Check the oil level and the coolant
• Check the lights, heater and wipers
• Look at the maintenance scheduleIf a service falls due during the trip, have it done before you leave.

Loading the car

Check the tire pressure again once the car is loaded, and before you tow a trailer. The owner's manual gives the car's weight limit, and the people inside count toward it.

In the car

• Put the proof-of-insurance card in the glove boxThe claims number is on it.
• Check whether your policy covers towing and a rental car
• Pack an emergency kitJumper cables, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, water, food that keeps, a phone charger and road maps

On the way

Keep the tires at the placard pressure. Proper inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average, and up to 3 percent in some cases. If the check engine light comes on, have a mechanic look at the car at the next stop.