Road trips are an exciting time to explore unseen landscapes, revisit childhood favorites, and create new memories with friends and family. Besides a sense of wonder, a back seat full of snacks, and all the necessary gear, you'll need to prepare your used vehicle to make sure it can get you there and back.
At Arrow Point Auto Mall in Abilene, Texas, we offer high-quality used vehicles and expert advice to get your car road trip ready. Leave the maintenance to us and focus on planning your next adventure across the state or country.
Looking for a reliable used vehicle? Check out our inventory of several makes and model years that cater to different budgets today! Below, we'll tackle seven tips to make sure your car stays on the road and away from a body shop during your next road trip.
7 Essential Road Trip Preparation Tips
Check Your Vehicle's Fluids & Oil
One of the most important steps you can take before a road trip is to ensure the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid are at the right levels. Fresh oil is key for a smooth trip because it keeps the engine performing its best.
An oil change before a trip will clean the engine by trapping dirt and debris, absorbing and carrying away heat to prevent overheating, and reducing friction by adding lubrication. Keeping the fluids full before heading out also will reduce the chances of making an unexpected pit stop, or, worse, being stranded with limited service options in more remote areas.
The benefits will continue once you've returned home and will extend your car's lifespan.
Schedule ServiceInspect Your Tires & Brakes
Next on your pre-trip checklist is checking the tire pressure, tread depth, and alignment to ensure a safe and comfortable drive. Double-check that the tire pressure is not below the recommended PSI, the tread depth doesn't have too much wear, and the wheels are aligned for safe driving.
You'll also want to verify the brakes are responsive and brake pads are in good condition. This service will help you make safe stops even in unfamiliar locations, increase the vehicle's performance, and prevent accidents.
Visit Service CenterTest Your Battery & Lights
Before your adventure, inspect the car battery's charge and connections to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Going to a trusted used car dealership like Arrow Point Auto will let you test your battery and ensure it is in good health and ready to take on a long trip.
In addition, you must check headlights, taillights, and turn signals for safety, especially for night driving. Doing so will ensure you can see your surroundings after the sun's gone down--and before it comes up--and that other drivers can see your vehicle and get a heads-up when you are merging or turning.
Get Battery TestPack an Emergency Kit
Now that your vehicle has had all the safety checks, you can focus on packing or adding to your roadside emergency kit. Ideally, the pre-road trip planning will reduce the chances of needing these items, but it's best to have them in case of any emergency. An emergency kit needs essential items such as jumper cables, a tire inflator, a flashlight, a first aid kit, water, and roadside assistance contacts.
Other items such as blankets, a power bank, hats for sun protection, and work gloves might make the experience more comfortable as you wait for help or complete any maintenance. Keep your kit in an area that's easy to reach, such as the trunk or back seat.
Learn MoreClean & Organize Your Car
The perks of a clean car cannot be stressed enough. Washing the exterior frame will increase the "ready for an adventure" feeling and visibility. Vacuuming the seats and rugs and wiping down the dashboard will make sure all passengers have a comfortable experience and don't have to worry about mysterious gunk on the floor.
Once you have a clean surface, organize essentials and create a layout where emergency items and necessities, such as toys, snacks, water, and medications, are within reach for those who need them.
Trade-In OptionsPlan for Fuel Efficiency
With the rising cost of gas and inflated prices in more remote areas, you'll want to plan for fuel efficiency and reduce the time between fill-ups. An easy way to save gas is by maintaining steady speeds and driving at the speed limit. You'll notice a difference in mileage between driving 65 mph or when the lanes are clear and the speedometer reaches the mid-70s.
Another tip is to avoid excessive idling. Keeping the engine running while at a drive-thru might be okay, but it's best to turn off the car when someone needs to make a "quick" stop at the store or for a bathroom break.
Checking the tire pressure made it twice on this list because it's just that important. Keeping tires properly inflated and at their right PSI will maximize MPG. Not only do underinflated tires wear out more quickly, but they increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency.
Fuel-Efficient OptionsDouble-Check Your Documents & Insurance
Before you can officially start packing the car, ensure your registration, insurance, and driver's license are up to date. Make sure the current month's car insurance is active, the registration has been renewed and the new sticker applied, and that your driver's license won't expire until after you get back from crossing county and state lines.
If you want to play it safe and not risk a last-minute maintenance need or emergency, consider adding roadside assistance coverage. It will increase your monthly insurance bill, but the extra peace of mind you'll get by not being left stranded or having to pay for a tow truck will be worth it.
Have original copies of the documents--and copies if you want to be extra prepared--in the glove compartment inside a folder for safekeeping.
Browse InventoryFrequently Asked Questions
What is Arrow Point Auto?
Arrow Point Auto is a used car dealership in Abilene, Texas. Our inventory of used cars in Abilene, Texas, includes cars, trucks, and SUVs across different makes and model years.
Where is Arrow Point Auto located?
You can find us at 4101 South Danville Drive, Abilene, TX 79605. We are open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions to our used car lot.
Why used vehicles?
There are several benefits of buying used and pre-owned vehicles. At Arrow Point Auto, you'll enjoy an incredible selection of vehicles, reliability for years to come, and a great offer on a high-quality car.
Does Arrow Point Auto buy cars?
Yes! We have a quick trade-in estimate tool on our website that tells you a vehicle's value in just 10 seconds. There's no need to drive around all the car dealerships near you asking for quotes. Just answer two questions and get an immediate estimate!
Ensure a Safe and Smooth Adventure with Arrow Point Auto Mall in Abilene, TX
As the weather warms and road trip season approaches, it's important to prepare your vehicle for a stress-free adventure away from home. Car owners should:
- Check their vehicle's fluids and oil
- Inspect brakes and tires
- Test the battery and lights
- Pack an emergency kit
- Clean and organize the car
- Plan for fuel efficiency
- Double-check documents and insurance
Trust the service professionals at Arrow Point Auto Mall to complete a pre-trip inspection and give your vehicle the green light for your journey on the road.
Get road-trip ready today by choosing the level of service that works for you!
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title,license, $150 documentation fee. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.