Why This Check Matters More on Long Drives

A five-mile commute is forgiving. A 400-mile highway run is not. Small problems — a tyre slowly losing air, low brake fluid, a burned-out tail light — can compound into serious situations when you're far from home and driving for hours at a stretch. Running through a pre-departure check takes less time than your first fuel stop and gives you a realistic picture of your vehicle's condition before you commit to the road.

This checklist is built around the checks that matter most for distance driving specifically. For a broader look at keeping your car in shape over time, see our guide on car maintenance across a vehicle's lifetime. If your dashboard is already showing warning lights before you've even loaded the trunk, check what your car's warning lights actually mean before going further.

Tyres

Check tyre pressure on all four tyres (and the spare) using a gauge, and inflate to the manufacturer's specification found in the driver's door jamb or owner's manual. Must
Inspect tread depth across the full width of each tyre — a quarter inserted into the tread groove should not show the top of Lincoln's head; if it does, the tyre needs replacing. Must
Look over sidewalls and the tread surface for cuts, bulges, cracking, or embedded objects like nails. Must
Confirm the spare tyre is present, properly inflated, and has adequate tread if it's a full-size spare. Should

Fluids

Check engine oil level with the dipstick and top up if it's below the minimum mark; note any unusual color or milky appearance, which warrants a mechanic visit before departure. Must
Verify coolant (antifreeze) level in the overflow reservoir is between the minimum and maximum lines — never open the radiator cap on a hot engine. Must
Check brake fluid level in the translucent reservoir under the hood; if it's significantly low, have your brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic before driving. Must
Top up windshield washer fluid — you'll use far more than expected on a highway run, especially in wet or buggy conditions. Should
Check power steering fluid if your vehicle has a hydraulic system; electric power steering systems don't require this step. Nice to have

Lights and Visibility

Test all exterior lights — headlights (low and high beam), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights — with a helper or by reversing slowly toward a reflective surface. Must
Clean the windshield inside and out; interior film builds up gradually and creates severe glare when driving into low sun. Should
Adjust all mirrors — driver side, passenger side, and rearview — for your seating position before you load luggage that may block the rear view. Should
Check that wiper blades clear the windshield cleanly without streaking or chattering; replace blades that are older than 12 months or visibly deteriorated. Should

Under the Hood and Mechanical

Note any dashboard warning lights that are illuminated and look up their meaning before departing — do not assume they can wait. Must
Inspect drive belts for visible cracking or fraying; a snapped serpentine belt will leave you stranded. Should
Listen for any unusual sounds during a brief engine idle — rattles, hissing, or squealing warrant investigation before a long drive. Should

Emergency Kit and Essentials

Confirm your emergency kit contains a warning triangle or road flares, a flashlight with working batteries, a basic first aid kit, and jumper cables or a jump starter. Must
Carry the tools to change a flat tyre — jack, lug wrench, and wheel lock key if your vehicle has locking lug nuts. Must
Bring a phone charger and a portable power bank in case you need navigation or emergency calls when you can't access an outlet. Should
Pack water and a light snack for each occupant — highway services can be far apart and stops add time to long journeys. Nice to have

What You'll Need to Run This Check

Most of these checks require nothing more than your eyes, your hands, and a few basic tools you should already have at home or in the car. Stock the items below before you start.

Required

Tyre pressure gauge

Accurately measures tyre pressure so you can inflate to the manufacturer's specification.

Optional

Tread depth gauge

Gives a precise tread depth reading, though a quarter coin works as a rough field test.

Required

Flashlight or work light

Illuminates wheel wells, under the hood, and hard-to-see areas during the inspection.

Required

Fluid top-up bottles

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid in appropriate quantities for topping up before departure.

Optional

Microfiber cloths

Cleans the windshield interior, mirrors, and lights for maximum visibility.

If you're unsure how to check or top up any of your vehicle's fluid reservoirs, our dedicated walkthrough on fluid levels every driver should be able to check covers each one step by step.

Don't Top Up Brake Fluid and Move On

Brake fluid that is significantly low — not just slightly below the max line — often signals worn brake pads or a possible leak, not just evaporation. Topping it up without investigating the cause can mask a serious safety issue. If the reservoir is noticeably low, have a qualified mechanic inspect the brake system before you drive any distance.

A Few Things to Sort the Night Before

Don't leave everything for the morning of departure. Checking tyre pressure works best when the car has been sitting for at least three hours — so tyres are cold and the reading is accurate. Review your route the evening before so you know what fuel and service options exist along the way. If you're towing anything, the pre-trip requirements are significantly more involved — our guide on towing a trailer or caravan explains the additional checks and legal considerations. And if you'll be carrying a full car of passengers, factor in how extra weight affects handling — covered in detail in carrying passengers safely.

Address Warning Lights Before You Leave

A dashboard warning light is your car telling you something is wrong right now. On a long drive, a minor issue can escalate quickly — low oil pressure, overheating, or a brake system fault can cause serious mechanical failure or loss of vehicle control far from help. If a warning light is on when you start the car, identify it and determine whether it's safe to drive before committing to a long journey. Do not assume it can wait until you return.

Long drives also take a physical toll. Before you leave, read up on recognising fatigue behind the wheel so you know the early warning signs and when to pull over.