Is there anything as liberating as hopping into your car when the weekend rolls by and leaving the city and its many stresses behind? Road trips are the best way to relax, recoup, regroup, and recharge. They can be cross country (if you are looking for the ultimate adventure) or just to the nearest woods for overnight camping. It can be in your RV with the whole family or you just going solo in your trusted sedan.
Whatever may be your circumstances, road trips can be fun and spontaneous. But they can be that much greater, safer, and stress-free with a bit of planning ahead. Here’s a handy list of things to prep before you take that next road trip:

1. Get your car checked
Even if you have gotten your car recently serviced, it does not hurt to have your body shop have a look at it again before your road trip. It would be annoying and cumbersome to deal with a breakdown on the road trip, and you can travel without worrying about your car’s state. Some things to ensure that are in order are the car’s engine oil, engine coolant, cables, and battery terminals to name a few.

2. Prepare for flat tires
In the chances of a flat tire, it is always best to be prepared. Ensure your car tires are inflated to the right degree, and then carry a spare tire with you. Have an on-hand tire-changing tool kit with a jack and a lug wrench with a socket on one end and a pry bar on the other. Carry a flashlight too. If you do not know how to change a tire, it makes sense to learn how to before you take your trip.

3. Maps
Thanks to technology, you can travel just about anywhere without having to worry about losing your way. But if you are planning a trip to the country or up to the mountains, where Internet connectivity may be patchy, it is important you download maps off Google beforehand. Having a GPS handy also helps for you to go forth on your journey.

4. Weather updates
Nothing can put a damper on your road trip quite like bad weather. It is important you check the weather updates to check if the weather conditions are in favor of your trip. While spontaneity is great, it is also important to be safe, especially if there is rain, snow, or sleet involved.

5. Clean headlights, taillights, and check wipers
We often forget to care for our headlights and taillights when we are doing the daily grind. But you must give them a once over before a road trip to ensure they are working with the light having the necessary intensity. A few scratches may be okay, but cracks need attention.

And while you are it, do check your car wipers to make sure they are working as well. These are very important when you are traveling in dusty or hilly terrain and during rain and snow spells.

6. Get that music playlist in order
No road trip is complete without some good music accompanying you in that confined space. Whether it is some good old classic rock or some East Coast hip hop, lineup your playlist with music everyone on the trip will enjoy.