Road Trip Checklist

🛞 Tires & Wheels

• Tire pressure — check all four tires + spare against the door-jamb sticker
• Tread depth — penny test — Lincoln's head should be covered
• Sidewall condition — look for bulges, cuts, or cracking
• Spare tire — confirm it's inflated and the jack + wrench are present
• Wheel torque — verify lug nuts are tight, especially after recent tire work
• Valve stems — check caps are on and stems aren't cracked

Inspect first: Inspect tires before replacing. Do not start a long trip with visible sidewall damage, bulges, or active tire warning lights — get them inspected.

🛢️ Fluids

• Engine oil level & condition — dipstick should read between MIN and MAX, oil should be amber-brown not black
• Coolant level — check the overflow reservoir when cold
• Brake fluid — should be between MIN and MAX in the reservoir
• Power steering fluid — check reservoir if your car has hydraulic steering
• Windshield washer fluid — fill to top — you'll use more than you think
• Transmission fluid — check level and color per owner's manual

Inspect first: If you find an active leak, get it inspected before a long trip — do not just top off and go.

🔋 Battery & Electronics

• Battery voltage — use a tester; 12.6V = fully charged
• Battery terminals — clean any white/blue corrosion with baking soda solution
• Alternator output — 14V at idle with accessories on = healthy charging
• All exterior lights — headlights, tails, brake lights, turn signals, reverse
• Phone charger / USB port — test before departure

Inspect first: If your battery is more than 4 years old or fails a load test, get it inspected before replacing — free tests are available at most auto-parts stores.

🛑 Brakes

• Brake pad thickness — minimum 3mm pad remaining — less means replace now
• Rotor condition — no deep grooves or excessive rust ridges
• Brake pedal feel — firm, not spongy or pulsating
• Handbrake / parking brake — should hold on a slope
• Brake noise check — no squeal or grind during slow stop

Inspect first: Do not start a long trip with active brake symptoms (squeal, grind, pulsation, warning light). Inspect brake pads and rotors against your exact year, make, model, trim, brake package, and axle before buying any replacement parts.

🚨 Emergency Supplies

• Jumper cables or jump starter — portable lithium jump starters are compact and don't need another car
• Reflective triangles or flares — required by law in many countries
• First-aid kit — bandages, antiseptic, pain relief, any prescription meds
• Tow strap — for soft-road recoveries
• Torch / flashlight — with fresh batteries or rechargeable
• Bottled water & snacks — for extended roadside waits
• Roadside assistance number — saved in your phone AND written on paper