Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Get involved
Issues we work on
The payment for your account couldn’t be processed or you’ve canceled your account with us.
Sign In
We don’t recognize that sign in.
Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.
We still don’t recognize that sign in.
Retrieve your username.
Reset your password.
*Required
*Required
Forgot your username or password?
Don’t have an account?
My account
Save products you love, products you own and much more!
Other Membership Benefits:
Suggested Searches
Cars
Car Ratings & Reviews
CARS
Car Reliability Guide
Car Buying & Pricing
Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?
Car Maintenance & Repair
The Cost of Car Ownership Over Time
Key Topics & News
CAR NEWS
Listen to the Talking Cars Podcast
Home & Garden
Bed & Bath
Top Picks From CR
Best Mattresses of 2023
Lawn & Garden
TOP PICKS FROM CR
Is Now the Time to Switch to Electric Outdoor Tools?
Home Improvement
Home Improvement Essential
Best Wood Stains of 2023
Home Safety & Security
HOME SAFETY
Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2023
Appliances
Kitchen
REPAIR OR REPLACE?
What to Do With a Broken Appliance
Small Appliances
TOP PICKS FROM CR
Best Small Kitchen Appliances
Laundry & Cleaning
Top Picks From CR
Best Washing Machines of 2023
Heating, Cooling & Air
Beat the Heat
Most Reliable Central Air-Conditioning Systems
Electronics
Home Entertainment
FIND YOUR NEW TV
Best TVs of 2023
Home Office
Save Money
Cheapest Printers for Ink Costs
Smartphones & Wearables
BEST SMARTPHONES
Find the Right Phone for You
Digital Security & Privacy
MEMBER BENEFIT
CR Security Planner
More
Take Action
Before you hit the road, take care of some preventive maintenance, stow your bags the right way, and throw in an emergency kit
Travel in during the coronavirus pandemic, even with some state restrictions lifted, means more preparations and precautions are necessary.
It is expected that fewer people will be road tripping this year, but the exact numbers are hard to forecast. For the first time in 20 years, AAA has not issued a prediction for the Memorial Day weekend—there are just too many unknowns.
Many people have avoided flying because of the pandemic and may see travel by car as more responsible. On the other hand, AAA has declared that Memorial Day weekend will have the lowest gas prices in two decades, with a $1.87 national average.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a long roster of reasons to limit travel by car and says that “staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick.”
If you do want to hit the road, there are some fresh considerations, as well as the traditional advice for getting your car ready.
Your vehicle will be where you spend the bulk of your time during your journey, so make sure all its functions are fine-tuned and operating at maximum performance levels.
Fluids. Check all levels: oil, coolant, brake, and windshield-washer fluids. Inspect power-steering and transmission fluid levels, if applicable. If you’re taking a long trip, schedule a service appointment to double-check these levels. (Read “How to Check Your Car’s Engine Oil.”)
Hoses. Squeeze hoses with your thumb and forefinger near clamps—that’s where they can be weakest from wear. Feel for soft or mushy spots. A good hose will be firm but bendable. Look for parallel cracks around bends; a hardened, glassy surface (which indicates heat damage); or abrasive damage. Have damaged hoses replaced.
Belts. Heat, oil, ozone, and abrasion can take a toll on belts. Look for cracks, fraying, and splits, as well as signs of glazing. Replace worn belts. (Read “How to Inspect Belts and Hoses.”)
Air filter. Remove the filter and hold it up to a strong light. If you don’t see light, the filter is dirty enough to need to be replaced. A clean air filter helps the engine run better.
Radiator. Look through the grill and be sure the radiator is clear of any obstructions.
Battery. Make sure the terminals and cables are securely attached, with no corrosion. If the battery has removable caps, check its fluid level—especially in warmer climates. Top off as needed with distilled water. (See our car battery buying guide and ratings.)
Wipers. Based on CR tests, windshield wipers last about six months. If they’re a few months old, consider replacing them before a long trip. If the wipers are newer, clean the blades with washer fluid or glass cleaner.
Tires. Check the pressure on all tires, including the spare, before starting the trip. Use the pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer, which usually can be found on a front doorjamb and in the owner’s manual. Inspect tires for abnormal or uneven wear, cracks, cuts, and any sidewall bulges. Replace tires that are 10 years old or overly worn. Once underway, check the pressure only after the tires have cooled for 3 hours to get an accurate measurement. (See our tire buying guide and ratings.)
Brakes. You might need a comprehensive checkup if you apply the brakes and there are grinding noises, or unusual vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel, or if the vehicle pulls to one side.
Glove box. Be sure you have up-to-date registration and insurance paperwork.
Lights. Check exterior lights, including taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lamps. Make sure lenses are clean, so the lights are as bright as possible.
Infotainment. Reduce distractions: Pair your phones and transfer your contact lists ahead of time. (Make sure the roadside-assistance number is programmed.) Confirm that any subscriptions for satellite radio, traffic services, and streaming music are up to date. Add radio presets and program all destinations before you hit the road.
iStock-682884886 iStock-682884886
Don’t overload your car. Weight limits are listed on the driver’s doorjamb and in the owner’s manual; the figure is for the combined weight of passengers and cargo. Don’t exceed manufacturer recommendations. These can vary widely and in some cases can be surprisingly limited. It is not uncommon for a vehicle with an adult in each seat to be near the maximum capacity—without any luggage.
Stow the heaviest items low, particularly in SUVs. This keeps the center of gravity lower, reducing the chances of a rollover. Smaller items should be packed into duffel bags or safely tucked into storage areas. Strap larger items down with cargo anchors. Don’t place heavier items on top of the cargo pile, because they can become dangerous projectiles in a panic stop or a crash.
You could opt for a roof cargo carrier, but CR tests found that a cargo carrier atop a vehicle can reduce fuel economy by as 5 mpg on a compact SUV and 9 mpg on a midsized sedan.
iStock-508512013 iStock-508512013
Prepare for breakdowns and make sure you have these items onboard.
Phone charger. In addition to having on hand a charging cord and power adapter, carry a small battery-based charger in case your car’s battery dies.
Basic tools. Have standard and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, and a compact socket set.
Warning light, hazard triangle, and/or flares. These can alert motorists to your presence along the side of the road.
Tire tools. If you don’t know how to change a tire, consider learning before the trip. You could pack an easier-to-use lug or torque wrench, as well as work gloves. A short wooden board (about a foot long) can be invaluable to stabilize a jack on soft dirt or mud. Many newer cars don’t have spare tires, so familiarize yourself with your car’s “mobility kit.” Know how to reach roadside assistance in case the tire can’t be easily replaced.
Flashlight. This or a head-mounted light can be especially helpful during nighttime breakdowns or tire changes.
Jumper cables or a jump-starter. Cables can be handy, but a paperback-sized jump-starter can get your motor running on its own. Plus, many can also be used to charge portable devices.
Reflective vest. This safety measure will make you more visible in the dark.
Fire extinguisher. Pack a compact dry-powder unit for fires fueled by solids and combustible liquids and gases (class ABC). Of course, the safest response may be to get passengers far away from the vehicle and call 911.
A road trip is one of life’s great adventures. On the “Consumer 101” show, host Jack Rico learns from Consumer Reports expert Mike Monticello how to prepare for a safe one.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the July 2018 issue of Consumer Reports magazine and has been updated.
Jeff S. Bartlett
Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSBartlett.
We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.