Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer—and for many of us, that means one thing: road trip. Whether you're heading to the mountains, visiting family, or simply escaping for a few days, a little preparation goes a long way toward making your trip smooth and stress-free.
Before you load up the car and hit the highway, run through this checklist to make sure you're ready for whatever the road throws your way.
Get Your Vehicle Road-Ready
Your car works hard every day, but a long road trip puts extra demands on it. A quick maintenance check now can prevent a breakdown later.
Check these before you leave:
- Tires. Look for adequate tread depth and check the pressure (including your spare). Underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency and increase blowout risk.
- Oil and fluids. If you're due for an oil change, get it done before your trip. Top off windshield washer fluid, coolant, and brake fluid.
- Brakes. Listen for squealing or grinding. If something sounds off, have them inspected.
- Lights. Test your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Wipers. Spring storms can pop up quickly. Replace worn wiper blades so you're ready for rain.
- Battery. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it tested. Extreme temperatures can shorten battery life.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Even well-maintained vehicles can have unexpected issues. Keep a basic emergency kit in your trunk:
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Basic first-aid kit
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
- Phone charger (car adapter or portable battery)
- Blanket
- Reflective triangles or flares
- Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench)
If you're traveling through rural areas of Arizona, Idaho, Nebraska, or Wyoming, cell service can be spotty. Having supplies to handle minor emergencies on your own gives you peace of mind.
Plan Your Route (But Stay Flexible)
GPS makes navigation easy, but a little advance planning helps:
- Identify rest stops and gas stations along your route, especially in less populated areas where options are limited.
- Check road conditions before you leave. Construction, closures, and weather can all affect travel times.
- Download offline maps in case you lose cell signal in remote stretches.
- Build in buffer time. Memorial Day weekend means heavier traffic. Leave earlier than you think you need to and plan for delays.
Keep Everyone Comfortable
A happy car is a peaceful car. Small touches make long drives more enjoyable:
- Snacks and drinks. Pack a cooler with water, fruit, and easy-to-eat snacks to avoid constant fast-food stops.
- Entertainment. Download podcasts, audiobooks, or playlists before you go. For kids, bring travel games, coloring books, or tablets with downloaded shows.
- Comfort items. Neck pillows, sunglasses, and a light blanket can make a big difference on longer drives.
- Frequent breaks. Stop every two hours or so to stretch, use the restroom, and stay alert behind the wheel.
Double-Check Your Insurance
Before any road trip, it's smart to know what your auto insurance covers:
- Does your policy cover roadside assistance? If not, consider adding it or signing up for a service like AAA.
- Are you covered if someone else drives? If you're sharing driving duties, make sure all drivers are covered under your policy.
- What about rental cars? If you're renting a vehicle for your trip, check whether your personal auto policy extends coverage—or whether you need the rental company's insurance.
If you're unsure about any of these questions, a quick call to your agent can clear things up before you leave.
Hit the Road with Confidence
Memorial Day weekend is a time to relax, connect with loved ones, and enjoy the start of summer. A little preparation before you leave means fewer worries on the road—and more time to enjoy the journey.
Have questions about your auto coverage before your trip? [Give us a call]—we're happy to help you travel with peace of mind.