The Road Trip Prep List That’s Saved Me From Every ‘Check Engine’ Light Panic

There’s a very specific kind of silence that happens when your car sputters to a stop in the middle of nowhere. Mine happened just outside of Ely, Nevada—elevation: 6,437 feet; nearest mechanic: a prayer and three hours away.

I was driving solo, coasting through the last stretch of a Western loop, and let’s just say I wasn’t feeling very "empowered" when the check engine light came on, and the car lost power in a slow-motion slide that felt oddly cinematic. I hadn’t topped off my coolant. I hadn’t brought a code reader. And I definitely hadn’t considered that mountain roads might tax my engine harder than city driving.

That trip redefined how I prepare for road travel. Since then, I’ve built a go-to list that I run through before every trip—no matter how short or spontaneous. And the truth is, prepping your car doesn’t have to be overly technical or intimidating. It’s less about being a full-on mechanic and more about paying attention early so you’re not solving problems later.

1. Check Your Tire Pressure

Before you head out, take five minutes to manually check the air in all four tires and your spare. Don’t rely on the tire pressure light to tell you—those sensors can lag, especially in extreme temperatures. Road trips almost always involve changes in elevation, and those shifts can affect tire pressure more than you'd expect.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3% and help prevent blowouts on long trips.

Most gas stations have free air pumps, but investing in a digital tire pressure gauge and a compact compressor (plugs into the 12V outlet) gives you control no matter where you are.

2. Top Off (or Replace) Engine Fluids

This includes engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Don’t skip this step. It’s not just about performance—it’s about safety.

Quick rule of thumb:

• Coolant: Especially important if you’re driving through desert areas or mountain climbs where your engine works harder.
• Oil: If you're anywhere close to the change interval, just get it done beforehand.
• Brake fluid: Spongy brakes? That’s a red flag.

If you're not comfortable checking these yourself, ask for a “fluids check” when you go for an oil change or inspection.

3. Don’t Just Look—Test Your Battery

Car batteries typically last 3–5 years, but what matters more is their condition now. A long trip with irregular stops can strain an already-weak battery. Heat and cold only make it worse. Auto parts stores may offer free battery testing—they’ll even check it while it's in your car. It takes five minutes and could save you from needing a jump in the middle of nowhere.

4. Inspect Belts and Hoses

Most modern cars have serpentine belts that run multiple systems—if that belt breaks, you’re stuck. Hoses control coolant and other fluids, and if they crack, you’re overheating real fast. Look for:

• Visible cracks or fraying on belts
• Bulges, leaks, or wear on hoses
• Any sweet or burning smell under the hood

If anything feels off or looks suspicious, get it checked. These are fixable problems now, catastrophic ones later.

5. Bring a Simple OBD2 Scanner

This is one of the most underrated travel tools I now carry—and the one I wish I had in Nevada. A basic OBD2 scanner plugs into your car’s diagnostic port (under the dash) and tells you what that warning light means. Some Bluetooth versions connect to your phone.

It won’t fix the problem, but it will help you decide if you need a mechanic or just need to tighten your gas cap. Knowledge = calm.

6. Double Check Your Registration, Insurance, and Roadside Coverage

Before you hit the road, confirm that your insurance card is current and your registration is up to date. While you’re at it, check your roadside assistance plan (if you have one)—especially the fine print. Some only tow within city limits. Some cap the number of calls per year.

If you don’t already have coverage through your car insurer, AAA, or a credit card benefit, it may be worth adding for the peace of mind.

7. Update Your Navigation Tools (And Download Offline Maps)

Google Maps is great—until you’re in the mountains or driving through rural stretches with zero bars. Before leaving:

• Download offline maps for the regions you’ll be passing through.
• Consider adding a physical road atlas to your glovebox.
• If using a GPS unit, check for software updates—especially if it's older.

Offline maps aren’t just for navigation. They can help you locate nearby gas stations, rest stops, and mechanics if your service drops out.

8. Know Your Tire Changing Game Plan

If you’re not comfortable changing a tire, you’re not alone. But at minimum, you should know where your spare, jack, and lug wrench are stored—and that they work.

Run a quick test at home: locate everything, make sure your spare is inflated, and review how your car’s jack works. You don’t need to change a tire every day to feel confident doing it on the side of the road.

And please—throw a headlamp in your emergency kit. Changing a tire at night with your phone flashlight taped to your neck is not the move.

9. Pre-Program Your Emergency Numbers

Store key numbers in your phone and write them down on a paper tucked in your glovebox:

• Roadside assistance provider
• Insurance company
• Trusted mechanic
• A friend or relative who can talk you through the next steps

If your phone dies, you’ll still have a reference list. It’s a small step that becomes huge in a pinch.

10. Pack an Emergency Kit That Actually Matches Your Route

Yes, you need a basic emergency kit. But tailor it to your destination. A summer trip through the Southwest? Focus on extra water, electrolyte packs, coolant, and sun protection. A winter road trip? Prioritize hand warmers, thermal blankets, and traction aids.

Smart additions for most routes:

• Jumper cables (or a portable jump starter)
• Tire inflator/sealant
• Non-perishable snacks
• Reusable water bottles or jugs
• First aid kit with meds you actually use

That time I got stuck on a remote Nevada highway, my portable air compressor saved the day. One tire quickly losing pressure could have meant calling for pricey roadside assistance if I hadn't packed that tiny device. Lesson learned.

11. Take 20 Minutes for a Cleanout and Cabin Reset

Here’s one most people skip: your car’s interior is part of your sanity on long drives. Before hitting the road, give it a refresh:

• Empty the trash
• Wipe down sticky cupholders
• Refill your napkin or tissue stash
• Add a trash bag or container (you’ll use it more than you think)

A calm cabin makes for a calm driver—and fewer distractions when you’re on unfamiliar roads.

12. Do a Full Systems Test the Day Before You Leave

Set aside 20 minutes the day before departure and test everything while the car is cold:

• Start the engine
• Turn on the lights, blinkers, and high beams
• Check A/C and heat
• Make sure the defroster works
• Try the wipers and top off washer fluid

This isn’t about overcomplicating your prep—it’s about giving yourself a window to fix any surprises. You don’t want to learn your A/C’s shot after you’ve packed up for a summer road trip.

Answer Hub!

• Tires First: Check pressure (including the spare) and know where your tools are.
• Fluids Matter: Oil, coolant, and brake fluid top-offs could save you a breakdown.
• Scan It: A basic OBD2 scanner helps you decode warning lights calmly.
• Offline Access: Download maps, update GPS, and prep for no-service zones.
• Pack Smart: Tailor your emergency kit to your route—not just a generic checklist.

Road Readiness Isn’t About Fear

You don’t need to be a mechanic to feel confident behind the wheel. You just need to be a little more intentional before you hit the road. This isn’t about paranoia—it’s about preparation. The truth is, most “sudden” car issues aren’t sudden at all. They’re signs we overlooked, skipped, or ignored until they became problems. That doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It just means you have to pay attention—early and often.

Now, every time I pull out of the driveway, I don’t just feel excited. I feel steady. And that? That’s the kind of quiet confidence every good road trip deserves.