Preparing Your Car for Long Trips

A breakdown 300 km from home in rural Ontario with no cell service is a situation nobody wants. Thirty minutes of pre-trip checks prevents most roadside emergencies. Here is what to inspect before any drive over 200 km.

Tires

Check pressure on all four tires plus the spare when cold. Inspect for cracks, bulges, or nails. Check tread depth. Confirm your spare is inflated and that the jack and lug wrench are in the vehicle. If you do not know where they are or how to use them, figure it out before you leave.

Fluids

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If any are low, top up. If your oil change is due within the next 2,000 km, do it before the trip. Carry extra washer fluid — you will use it.

Brakes

If you have noticed any squealing, grinding, or pulsation, get them checked before a long highway drive. Brakes that are marginal around town can overheat on long descents or in heavy traffic.

Belts and Hoses

Pop the hood and look at the serpentine belt for cracks or fraying. Squeeze radiator hoses — they should be firm, not soft or bulging. A belt or hose failure on the highway means no power steering, no cooling, and a tow truck call.

Lights

Walk around the car with someone pressing the brake pedal, turn signals, and headlights. Replace any burned-out bulbs. This takes two minutes and prevents a $110 HTA ticket.

Emergency Supplies

At minimum: phone charger, flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables or portable jump starter, and water. In winter, add your full winter emergency kit. See our packing list for the complete rundown.

For route planning, see our Ontario road trip guide and check Ontario 511 for construction and closures.