The Open Road Awaits: 5 Road Trip Prep Tips You're Probably Forgetting

The air is buzzing, the playlist is set, and the Google Maps route is loaded. You’ve checked the oil, the tyres, and the bag of snacks is overflowing. You’re ready for your great road trip adventure!

Or are you?

Here at Big Box Cars, we know that getting road-trip-ready is more than just a basic fluid check. It’s the little, often-forgotten details that can turn a minor inconvenience into a major headache on the open road.

Before you slam the boot shut and drive off into the sunset, take a moment to consider these five crucial, but commonly overlooked, car tips for your long-haul journey.

1. Check Your Cabin Air Filter (For a Happy Nose) 

Most people remember the engine air filter, but how often do you think about the air you’re breathing?

The Tip: Change or inspect your cabin air filter.

This filter is responsible for catching dust, pollen, and pollutants before they enter the ventilation system. On a long drive, especially through dusty rural areas or city smog, a clogged filter means you’ll be breathing stale, possibly musty-smelling air, and your AC/heater will have to work harder. A fresh filter ensures clean, fresh air for everyone, keeping allergies at bay and making the trip much more pleasant.

2. Verify Your Full Spare Tyre (Or Donut) is Usable

You checked that you have a spare tyre, right? Good. But is it ready to go in the case of an emergency?

The Tip: Don't just check for a spare; check its pressure and condition.

If you have a compact "donut" spare, it might have been sitting deflated for years. Check its specific pressure, which is often much higher than your regular tyres (sometimes up to 60 PSI!). Also, check that you have all the necessary tools: the jack, the wheel wrench, and the wheel lock key (if your car has one). A flat tyre is bad enough; finding your spare is flat, too, is a disaster.

3. Clear Out the Car's Gutter and Wiper Blades

Your wipers are your first line of defence against sudden downpours or a swarm of bugs. They need to be in peak condition. 

The Tip: Give your windscreen wiper blades a close inspection for cracks or tears and clear the water drainage gutters (under the bonnet).

Wiper blades should be replaced if they show any sign of wear or chattering. As for the gutters, leaves and debris often accumulate in the channels beneath the front of the bonnet (where the windscreen drains). If these get blocked, water can back up and potentially spill onto electrical components, or even into the cabin! A quick sweep with your hand can save a major electrical or water ingress issue.

4. Adjust Tyre Pressure for a Heavy Load 

The recommended tyre pressure sticker on your driver's door jamb is for an average load. A road trip vehicle is rarely average.

The Tip: Use the loaded vehicle tyre pressure recommendation.

Check your owner's manual or the placard on the driver's door for the "Full Load" or "Maximum Load" pressure. Your vehicle's handling, braking, and fuel economy will all be optimised for the weight of four people and a week's worth of luggage if you inflate the tyres to this higher PSI before you leave.

5. Check Your Emergency Documentation and Insurance 

No one wants to think about a breakdown, but being prepared for one is the best way to ensure peace of mind.

The Tip: Consolidate your emergency contacts and essential documents into one accessible spot.

Make sure you have:

• Your Roadside Assistance number easily visible. 
• The number for your insurance provider. 
• A copy of your registration and insurance details (in case your phone dies). 
• A pen and paper to exchange details if you're in a minor incident. 
• A fully charged power bank for your phone.

Knowing you can grab this info instantly will keep you calm and in control, no matter what curveball the road throws at you.

With these five often-missed checks under your belt, you’ve gone the extra mile to ensure your car is truly ready for adventure. Now, get out there and enjoy the open road! Safe travels from the team at Big Box Cars!