First things first — should you get your car checked before a road trip? YES.

The reason is that you never know when your car can break down on the road. Getting a vehicle inspection can reduce that from happening in the middle of a road trip.

Five Important Vehicle Checks

Auto repair shops are considered an essential business, and most repair facilities, especially dealerships, offer a free safety inspection while your car is in for an oil change. This is the perfect time to have your car looked at for visual indications of worn components that might not make it throughout the entire trip.

Some things you want to look at are:

1. Tire Tread

When taking long drives, your tires experience the most stress in the shortest amount of time. Ensure both your main tires and spare are in good condition by having them both checked by a trained professional.

If you have Endurance Elite Benefits, your contract includes tire reimbursement up to four tires per year. Your Endurance Warranty plan covers tires damaged by a road hazard. For more information on tire reimbursement, please check out our guide or contact the Endurance customer service team.

2. Tire Pressure

Has the “low tire pressure” light come on recently? We highly recommend getting your tires checked out for punctures, cuts, impacts, cracks, and bulges before hitting the road. Better safe than sorry is always recommended, even if the light goes out after putting in some air.

Tire pressure affects everything from fuel economy to handling to ride comfort. Underinflated tires could cost you up to a 3% loss in fuel economy, which can add up quickly on a long highway trip. If you’re unsure of what your tire pressure should be, every vehicle has a placard on the inside of the driver’s door jamb with the front and rear tire pressures.

Luckily, most gas stations have air pumps ready to inflate your tires. Tire shops like Goodyear and Just Tires offer free tire pressure checks and adjustments if you aren’t comfortable doing them yourself.

3. Brake pads and rotors

Brake pads and rotors usually wear out over time. The rate at which they need to be replaced varies by make and model. By taking your driving style into account, a trained mechanic can use pad and rotor thickness measurements to give you a rough idea of how long you have before they need to be replaced.

4. Wearable/adjustable steering and suspension components

The steering and suspension systems are full of wearable rubber bushings and adjustable components that need to be checked. Replace any damaged or excessively worn components and have your vehicle aligned to prevent premature suspension and tire wear.

5. Fluid condition, levels, and leaks

Loss of fluids can easily result in catastrophic damage to expensive vehicle components. Have the vehicle checked for leaks and make any repairs before you go on your trip. If they are in poor condition, have the fluid replaced for safe measure.

Get Your Car Road Trip Ready

With summer approaching quickly, more and more auto owners are going on road trips to get out of the house. Any unexpected repair bill over $3,000 is the last thing anyone needs. The best way to know whether your car is road trip-ready is to take the steps above and get it protected for a worry-free trip.

With an extended warranty or vehicle service contract from Endurance, you gain peace of mind knowing you’re protected by the most comprehensive packages on the market. Every contract also comes with trip interruption coverage if you ever experience a breakdown within 100 miles of your address.

Don’t have auto protection? Call us now at (800) 253-8203 or request a no-obligation quote to learn more about our 30-day money-back guarantee and flexible payment plans.