6 Road Trip Safety Tips for Summertime

1. Start with a Thorough Vehicle Inspection

Before you travel hundreds (or thousands) of miles, give your car a thorough once-over or have a trusted mechanic do it for you. You may want to include the following in your inspection:

Tires

Check tire pressure: Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to poor handling and reduce fuel efficiency. Refer to your owner's manual or the sticker inside your driver-side door for the correct PSI (pound per square inch) tire inflation level.
Inspect tread depth: Worn tires can be dangerous, especially in rainy conditions.
Don't forget the spare: Check your spare tire to ensure it is in good shape and fully inflated. Make sure you have a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.

Brakes

Use your ears: Listen for squealing or grinding noises.
Pay attention: Notice if the car pulls to one side when braking.

If in doubt, have your brakes inspected and serviced by a professional before you go.

Fluids

Check and top off all essential fluids: Check you engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.

Summer heat puts extra strain on your cooling system, so making sure the coolant level is adequate and the radiator is in good condition can be especially important for summer road trips.

Battery

Temperature matters: High temperatures can accelerate battery corrosion. Check the terminals for buildup and ensure the battery is securely mounted.
Age matters: If your battery is over three years old, consider having it tested.

Lights and Wipers

Test all exterior and interior lights: Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
Check your windshield wipers: Summer storms can hit unexpectedly, and you'll want clear visibility so give them an inspection.

Weight Limit

Know the max: Check your car's maximum weight limit (found in your owner's manual), so you're aware of it before your trip.
Avoid overloading: Don't overload the vehicle. Overloading can strain the suspension, reduce fuel efficiency, and make handling more difficult.

2. Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit

Even the best-maintained vehicles can experience issues. A well-stocked emergency kit can make an inconvenient situation more manageable. Here are some ideas on what to include:

Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
Tire pressure gauge
Flashlight with extra batteries
Basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench)
First aid kit
Water and non-perishable snacks
Phone charger and power bank
Reflective warning triangles or flares
Duct tape (yes, really—it's incredibly versatile)
Paper maps

3. Plan for Comfort and Convenience

Safety isn't just about what's under the hood. Making sure your passengers are comfortable contributes to a safer ride. The following tips can help.

Keep the Cabin Cool
If your air conditioning is weak, have it serviced before the trip. Heat exhaustion can be dangerous, especially for children and pets.

Communicate Clearly
Communication can be key if you invite new friends on your road trip. For example, you may want to consider proactively answering these types of questions:

Can car riders take off their shoes?
Do you prefer people to use headphones when listening to their devices
Are there certain foods you'd prefer not to be eaten in the car?
Is there a maximum number of bags per person?

Have a Snack Strategy
What's better on a summer road trip than fun snacks? Have an idea of whether you want to shop in advance or pick up snacks along the way and how often you plan to stop for food.

Map Out Fuel Stops
In remote areas, gas stations can be few and far between. Plan your refueling stops to avoid running on empty and to provide opportunities for everyone to use the washroom.

4. Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage

While it's easy to focus on the physical condition of your car, having the right auto insurance coverage is just as important. Don't assume your current policy covers everything you might encounter on the road.

Check for Roadside Assistance
Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance—towing, flat tire service, battery jumpstarts, and more. If your current plan doesn't offer this, consider adding it or joining an auto club like AAA.

Verify Rental Coverage
If your trip involves renting a car, check whether your personal auto insurance policy covers rentals. Some credit cards also offer rental coverage if you use them to book.

Consider Your Coverage Types
Make sure your liability coverage is adequate, especially if you'll be driving through densely populated areas. If your car is newer or financed, collision and comprehensive coverage are critical to help protect your investment. And having uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Some insurers offer emergency expense coverage. If your vehicle becomes unusable due to an accident, this coverage could help pay for unexpected costs like lodging, food, or alternative transportation.

5. Prepare for Navigation and Staying in Communication

A plan for staying connected and finding your way can help avoid confusion or danger, especially in unfamiliar areas. Consider these tips:

Update your car's GPS or phone app maps before you leave, especially if you'll be in areas with limited cell service. Some map apps allow you to download maps for use when you can't get online.
Share your itinerary with a friend or family member so someone knows your expected route and arrival times.

6. Drive Smart and Stay Alert

Once you're on the road, safe driving habits are your best defense.

Take breaks every two hours to stretch, hydrate, and stay alert.
Avoid distractions—put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" or use hands-free systems.
Don't drive drowsy. Rotate drivers if possible, and never push through extreme fatigue.
Watch the weather. Summer storms can create hazardous conditions quickly. Pull over if visibility is poor or roads become unsafe.