What to Check Before a Long Drive

Check your vehicle before you leave

A breakdown on the highway costs time and money you did not plan for. Before a long drive, spend 15 minutes on the things that fail most often: tire pressure and tread, fluid levels, lights, and wipers.

Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold — before you have driven or at least three hours after you stopped. The correct pressure is on a sticker inside your driver's door, not on the tire itself. Look at each tire's tread depth by inserting a penny into the grooves with Lincoln's head upside down; if you can see the top of his head, the tread is too worn. Check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid by opening the hood and looking at the reservoirs — most have minimum and maximum marks on the side. Turn on your headlights, high beams, brake lights, and turn signals to make sure they all work. Test your windshield wipers and top off the washer fluid if it is low.

If any of these need work — a tire is low, a light is out, your oil is dark and thick — get it fixed before you drive. A tire plug costs $15 to $30 and takes 20 minutes. A burned-out headlight bulb costs $5 to $20. Waiting until you are stranded on the road costs far more.

Key Takeaways

• Check tire pressure when cold, tire tread depth with a penny, and all fluid levels before leaving, because these failures happen most often on long drives.
• Test every light — headlights, high beams, brake lights, and turn signals — and make sure your wipers work and your washer fluid is full.
• Carry a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench, plus jumper cables, a flashlight, and a basic tool kit in case you need to make a roadside repair.
• Pack water, snacks, a phone charger, a first aid kit, and a blanket or jacket, because you may be stranded longer than you expect.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive, so they know to check on you if you do not show up.

Pack an emergency kit for your car

Even a well-maintained car can break down. Pack a kit so you can handle the wait or make a temporary fix. Keep it in your trunk year-round, not just for long drives.

Start with the basics: a spare tire (check that it holds air), a jack, and a lug wrench — these come with most cars, but verify they are in your trunk before you leave. Add jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a basic tool kit with pliers, a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, and a hammer. Include a tire plug kit or a can of tire sealant, which can get you to a repair shop if you have a small puncture. A roll of duct tape, a length of rope or cord, and a few zip ties solve more roadside problems than you would expect.

Add comfort and safety items: a blanket or heavy jacket, a bottle of water, non-perishable snacks, a phone charger (car charger if you have one, or a portable battery pack), and a first aid kit. If you are driving in winter, add jumper cables, an ice scraper, sand or kitty litter for traction, and a small shovel. If you are driving in summer in a remote area, add extra water — at least two gallons.

Know your route and plan for stops

Long drives tire you out faster than you think. Plan where you will stop, how long you will drive before stopping, and what you will do if you get lost or your phone dies.

Before you leave, write down or screenshot your route, including the names and addresses of gas stations, rest stops, and hotels along the way. If you are using GPS, download offline maps in case you lose signal. Plan to stop every two hours or every 100 to 150 miles — whichever comes first — to stretch, use a restroom, and get food or water. If you are driving at night or in bad weather, plan to stop more often.

Tell someone where you are going, what route you are taking, and when you expect to arrive. Give them the phone numbers of hotels or rest stops where you plan to stop. If you do not check in by a certain time, they will know something is wrong. Keep your phone charged and bring a car charger; if your battery dies, you cannot call for help.

Check weather and road conditions before you go

Weather and road conditions change quickly, especially on long drives across different regions. Check before you leave and again if you are driving more than four hours.

Look at the forecast for your entire route, not just your starting point. If heavy rain, snow, ice, or high winds are predicted, delay your trip if you can. Check your state's Department of Transportation website for road closures, construction, and accidents — these sites show real-time conditions and can add hours to your drive. If you are driving through mountains or remote areas, check whether chains or four-wheel drive are required.

If conditions are bad but you decide to drive anyway, leave early in the day so you have daylight, drive slower than the speed limit, increase your following distance to at least eight seconds behind the car in front of you, and avoid using cruise control on wet or icy roads. If conditions get worse while you are driving, pull over at a rest stop or gas station and wait, or find a hotel and stay the night.

Prepare yourself for fatigue and long hours

Driving tired is as dangerous as driving impaired. Plan your drive so you stay alert, and know the signs that you need to stop.

Get a full night of sleep before you drive. Do not drive more than 8 to 10 hours in a single day, and do not drive between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., when your body naturally wants to sleep. If you feel your eyes getting heavy, your head nodding, or your attention drifting, pull over immediately — do not try to push through. Drink coffee or energy drinks if they help you stay awake, but do not rely on them alone. Eat regular meals and snacks to keep your blood sugar stable. If you are driving with someone else, take turns driving so neither of you gets too tired.

If you are on a very long drive — more than 12 hours — plan to stay overnight. The extra cost of a hotel is far less than the cost of an accident or a breakdown in the middle of the night.

Know what to do if you break down

If your car stops running or you have a serious problem, your first action is to get to safety, then get help.

If you are on a highway and your car breaks down, turn on your hazard lights and steer to the shoulder as far from traffic as possible. If you cannot reach the shoulder, stay in your car with the doors locked and call 911 or your roadside assistance service. Do not try to flag down other drivers or stand in traffic. If you have roadside assistance through your insurance company or a membership like AAA, call them first — they will send a tow truck and may cover the cost. If you do not have roadside assistance, call 911 and tell them your location, your vehicle description, and what is wrong.

While you wait, stay in your car with the doors locked unless a police officer arrives. Keep your phone charged and your location marked so help can find you. If you are stranded for more than a few hours, ration your water and snacks. Do not leave your car to walk for help unless you are certain you know where you are and help is close by.

Maintain focus and avoid distractions

Long drives test your attention. The longer you drive, the easier it is to miss warning signs that something is wrong with your car or the road.

Do not use your phone while driving, even at a red light or in traffic. If you need to use GPS, set it before you leave or pull over to change it. Do not eat, drink, or adjust the radio while the car is moving — do these things at rest stops. Keep the temperature cool and the music at a level where you can hear traffic and emergency vehicles. If you are driving alone, talk to yourself, sing, or listen to a podcast to stay engaged.

Watch your dashboard for warning lights. If a light comes on — oil pressure, check engine, battery, temperature — pull over as soon as it is safe and turn off the engine. Do not keep driving; a warning light means something is wrong, and continuing to drive can cause serious damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I stop on a long drive?

Stop every two hours or every 100 to 150 miles, whichever comes first. Use the time to stretch, use a restroom, eat, and drink water. If you are driving in bad weather or at night, stop more often. If you are very tired, stop immediately and rest or switch drivers.

What should I do if my tire goes flat on the highway?

Turn on your hazard lights, slow down gradually, and steer to the shoulder as far from traffic as possible. Once you are safely off the road, you can change the tire yourself if you have a spare, jack, and lug wrench, or call roadside assistance. If you are not comfortable changing a tire, stay in your locked car and call for help.

Is it safe to drive through the night?

No. Your body naturally wants to sleep between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and driving tired is as dangerous as driving impaired. If you must drive at night, stop and rest every two hours, or stay in a hotel and drive during the day instead.

What if my car overheats while I am driving?

Turn off the air conditioning, turn on the heat to pull warmth away from the engine, and pull over safely. Turn off the engine and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before opening the hood. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot — you can be burned by steam. Once it cools, check your coolant level and add more if it is low, then drive slowly to the nearest repair shop.

Should I tell someone where I am going?

Yes. Tell someone your route, where you plan to stop, and when you expect to arrive. Give them phone numbers of hotels or rest stops along the way. If you do not check in by a certain time, they will know to look for you. This is especially important if you are driving alone or in a remote area.