Before heading out for a summer road trip, it’s a smart move to make sure your vehicle is road-ready. A pre-trip inspection helps identify small problems before they turn into big ones—and gives you peace of mind while you’re traveling in hot weather, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar terrain. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, beach, or across state lines, here’s what’s typically involved in a thorough summer pre-trip inspection.
Fluids Check and Top-Off
Summer heat puts added strain on your vehicle’s fluids. A pre-trip inspection includes checking the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If anything is low or looks dirty, your technician may recommend a fluid top-off or complete flush to ensure everything runs smoothly under hot conditions.
Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
Tires are one of the most important safety items on your car. Inspectors will check all four tires—including the spare—for proper inflation and tread wear. Summer heat causes tire pressure to rise, so it’s important to make sure you’re not over- or under-inflated. Worn or uneven tread can also lead to reduced traction, especially in wet conditions or during emergency braking.
Battery Test
High temperatures accelerate battery wear. During your inspection, the technician will test the battery’s charge and overall condition. They’ll also look for corrosion on the terminals and make sure the cables are securely connected. If your battery is more than three years old, this is especially important before a long trip.
Brakes and Suspension
Your braking system will be checked for pad wear, rotor condition, and fluid level. The suspension—shocks, struts, and bushings—will also be inspected to ensure your ride is smooth and safe, even when the car is fully loaded. This part of the inspection helps catch issues that affect handling and stopping distance.
Lights, Wipers, and AC
All exterior and interior lights should work properly for nighttime and emergency visibility. Wiper blades are checked for cracks or streaking, and washer nozzles are tested. Your AC system is also inspected to confirm it’s blowing cold and strong—something you’ll definitely want on a hot summer day.
Final Thoughts
A pre-trip inspection is a simple way to make sure your car is ready for the road ahead. It’s better to catch a small issue in your driveway than deal with a breakdown hundreds of miles from home. Safe summer travels start with a little prep under the hood.