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How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Long Road Trip

Blog May 23rd, 2025

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road—windows down, snacks loaded, and playlists queued. But before you put rubber to pavement, your vehicle needs to be just as road-trip ready as you are. Whether you’re driving across Ontario or venturing into new provinces, a bit of prep goes a long way in making sure your trip is safe, smooth, and enjoyable.

Here’s everything you need to do to get your car road-trip ready.

1. Get a Full Vehicle Inspection

Even if your car seems to be running fine, a quick check-up can save you from major issues down the road (literally). Have a trusted mechanic inspect:

  • Fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer)

  • Brakes

  • Battery health

  • Belts and hoses

  • Suspension and steering

  • Air conditioning/heating system

At MyCar, we recommend this step even for newer vehicles—peace of mind is priceless when you’re hours away from the nearest shop.

2. Check Your Tires (And Spare!)

Your tires are the only thing between you and the road—don’t skip this step:

  • Tread Depth: Use a toonie or tread gauge to make sure you’ve got enough life left.

  • Tire Pressure: Inflate to the recommended PSI (found on the inside of your driver’s door).

  • Spare Tire: Ensure it’s fully inflated and that you have all the tools needed to change a tire if necessary.

If your tires are nearing the end of their lifespan, consider replacing them before your trip—especially if you’re driving through variable weather or terrain.

3. Top Off and Pack the Essentials

Refill or bring along:

  • Windshield washer fluid

  • Coolant

  • Motor oil (in case you need to top up on the road)

Also, pack a basic emergency kit:

  • Jumper cables

  • Flashlight

  • First-aid kit

  • Phone charger and power bank

  • Blanket, water, and non-perishable snacks

  • Roadside flares or reflective triangles

Bonus points if you bring a paper map—because cell service isn’t always guaranteed in remote areas.

4. Clean and Organize Your Vehicle

It might seem minor, but a clean car makes a huge difference:

  • Vacuum and wipe down the interior: You’ll feel more comfortable spending hours inside.

  • Declutter: Extra weight means worse fuel economy—ditch anything you don’t need.

  • Organize your trunk: Make your roadside tools, snacks, and essentials easy to access.

Pro tip: Keep a trash bag handy and thank yourself later.

5. Test the Tech

Make sure everything you rely on for navigation or entertainment is good to go:

  • Update your GPS or maps app

  • Test your Bluetooth, charging ports, and stereo system

  • Download offline playlists or audiobooks for service dead zones

Also, ensure your backup camera, parking sensors, and any other driver assist systems are functioning properly.

6. Plan for Fuel Stops and Service Stations

If you’re heading off the beaten path, do a little recon on where you can fuel up and where the nearest service stations are. It’s not a bad idea to note down a few repair shops along your route—just in case.

7. Know the Laws Where You’re Going

If you’re crossing provincial borders, check if there are any vehicle-related laws that differ from Ontario’s. For example, some provinces have strict winter tire rules or rules around using phones for navigation.

Final Thoughts

Your road trip should be memorable for the right reasons—not because you were stranded on the side of the highway with a smoking engine. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your trip stress-free, and your vehicle running like a dream.

If you’re looking to upgrade your ride before your next adventure, MyCar has hundreds of road-trip-ready vehicles available at unbeatable prices—plus we ship across Ontario and beyond.

Safe travels and happy motoring!

MyCarBlogHow to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Long Road Trip