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Maintenance

Road Trip Car Checklist: What to Check Before You Go

A 30-minute inspection before a long drive is the cheapest insurance you can buy.

The checklist

  • Tires — pressure (including the spare), tread depth, bulges or cracks
  • Brakes — pad thickness, noises, pedal feel
  • Oil — level and when it's due
  • Coolant — level and condition; hoses not cracked
  • Battery — test, especially if it's 3+ years old
  • Belts — cracks or squealing
  • A/C — cold air before you hit the desert
  • Lights and wipers — all bulbs work, blades don't streak
  • Fluids — brake, power steering, washer

Pack a small kit

Phone charger, water, flashlight, jumper cables or jump pack, first-aid kit and your insurance card.

Want us to check it?

Book a pre-trip inspection — we'll go through everything and tell you what can wait and what can't.

FAQ

How long does a pre-trip inspection take?

Usually under an hour.

This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Rules and policies change — check your policy and the official source, or ask us.

*Deductible assistance of up to $1,000 is available only on insurance claims where your insurance company has approved a repair amount of $8,000 or more and the repair is performed in accordance with that insurer-approved estimate (California Penal Code § 551(b)). We never increase a repair estimate to cover a deductible. Not available on customer-pay repairs. Ask us for details before your repair begins.

**Free computer diagnostic scan: we read and explain your vehicle's trouble codes at no charge, no purchase required. If the problem needs in-depth testing (labor), we give you a written estimate and get your approval before any paid work, as California law requires.

†Warranty: limited lifetime warranty on our collision, body and paint workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle; 24 months / 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) on mechanical repairs, parts and labor. Not covered: normal wear, new damage, abuse or neglect, rust or chips from road debris, and customer-supplied parts. Warranty terms are written on your invoice.

‡Accident towing: you pay nothing out of pocket when you have collision coverage or the other driver is at fault — we pay the tow and bill the insurance company. If no insurance covers the tow, we tell you the price before the truck is sent.

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