Car Maintanence Tips for Road Trip Printable Checklist

🗓️ 1 WEEK BEFORE

Under the Hood

• [ ] Engine oil level checked (between min and max)

• [ ] Coolant level topped up

• [ ] Brake fluid level okay

• [ ] Battery terminals clean and tight

• [ ] Belts look fine (no cracks/fraying)

• [ ] Hoses feel firm (not soft or swollen)

Tyres

• [ ] Tread depth enough (₹10 coin test)

• [ ] No cuts/bulges on sidewalls

• [ ] Pressure set correctly (including spare!)

• [ ] Wheel nuts tight

Brakes

• [ ] No squealing/grinding sounds

• [ ] Pedal feels firm (not spongy)

• [ ] Car doesn't pull sideways when braking

Lights

• [ ] Headlights (low + high beam)

• [ ] Taillights

• [ ] Brake lights

• [ ] Indicators (front + rear)

• [ ] Hazard lights

• [ ] Fog lamps (if fitted)

• [ ] Reverse light

Other

• [ ] Wiper blades clean without streaks

• [ ] Washer fluid topped up

• [ ] AC blows cold

• [ ] FASTag active and has balance

🧰 PACK IN BOOT

Emergency Tools

• [ ] Jumper cables

• [ ] Portable tyre inflator

• [ ] Puncture repair kit

• [ ] Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, spanner)

• [ ] Torch with extra batteries

• [ ] Duct tape

• [ ] Zip ties

• [ ] Tow rope

Safety Gear

• [ ] Reflective triangle

• [ ] First aid kit

• [ ] Fire extinguisher

• [ ] Reflective vest

Spares (Optional)

• [ ] 1 litre engine oil

• [ ] 1 litre coolant (pre-mixed)

• [ ] Extra fuses

• [ ] Spare bulbs

☀️ MORNING OF DEPARTURE

15-Minute Final Check

• [ ] Walk around car—any new fluid stains underneath?

• [ ] All tyres look properly inflated

• [ ] All lights working (quick check)

• [ ] No warning lights on dashboard

• [ ] Coolant level still good

• [ ] Oil level still good

• [ ] Fuel tank full

• [ ] Phone mount secure

• [ ] Charger cables working

• [ ] Owner's manual in glovebox

• [ ] Emergency numbers saved in phone

🛣️ DURING THE TRIP

At Every Fuel Stop (Every 2-3 hours)

• [ ] Quick walk around car

• [ ] Feel each tyre sidewall—hot is fine, too hot to touch = problem

• [ ] Check under car for new leaks

• [ ] Top up washer fluid if used

• [ ] Listen for any new noises while driving

🚨 WHILE DRIVING

Stop Immediately If:

• [ ] Steam from under hood

• [ ] Red warning light appears

• [ ] Strange grinding/clunking/whining noises start

• [ ] Car vibrates unusually

• [ ] Burning smell (rubber, oil, or sweet)

• [ ] Any fluid leaking while parked

📞 EMERGENCY NUMBERS TO SAVE

• [ ] Roadside assistance: __________

• [ ] Insurance helpline: __________

• [ ] Trusted mechanic back home: __________

• [ ] Nearest hospital on route: __________

• [ ] Someone at home (share live location)

Take Print!! Tick everything? You're ready. Drive safe. 🚗💨