Well-established organizations, like the American Automobile Association (AAA) can check out your car before a road trip.

Many gas stations have air pumps you can use for a small fee. For a more accurate reading, check your tires when they’re cold. Some cars might list the recommended psi on a sticker in the door jamb, or the inside of the car door. However, not all vehicles do this.

You can find your car’s recommended tire psi levels in the car user manual.

If you’d like to go the extra mile, wash off any extra dirt or other gunk from the outside of your car, too.

Some car seats don’t offer a lot of back support. In this case, you can give your back a little boost with a rolled-up towel or small pillow.

Your car’s user manual might have some useful information on what type of wipers you need.

Your travel time may also depend on who’s in the car with you. If you run into heavy traffic, you may not get as far in 1 day.

Driving can be really exhausting, especially if you’re adventuring on a long road trip. There’s nothing wrong with parking at a rest stop and taking a quick nap!

For a simple stretch, lift your arms up over your head while keeping your feet planted on the ground. Extend your arms for about 20 seconds, and then relax.

Apps like GasBuddy and iExit can help you find inexpensive gas stations in the area. [12] X Research source For example, you might budget $200 for gas, $450 for a 2-night stay at a hotel, and $150 for food. [13] X Research source

There’s nothing wrong with using a public restroom while you’re on the road! Just be sure to wear a mask, and sanitize your hands after using the facilities.

For instance, if you’re traveling in the summer, you’ll want to bring along flip-flops, swimming gear, and a visor. If you’re traveling in the winter, you’ll want a heavy coat, along with insulating clothes that will keep you warm.

Podcasts are great to put on if you have to drive for a long stretch of the trip.

Screwdrivers, pliers, and other simple tools are also good to have on hand. [20] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Pack a small wooden board in your emergency kit—this will help keep your car balanced if you have to change your tires in a precarious spot.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, contactless payments are the safest way to go. Try to pay with card instead of cash, or using a phone-based payment. [21] X Research source You will need to take a passport or passport card with you if you will be crossing international borders. Make sure that your passport is unexpired, with all the required visas obtained from the government’s embassy or consular offices, and that everyone traveling with you has a passport. You must stop at a border checkpoint if you cross an international border. In some cases, you must also stop at a border checkpoint if entering or leaving a province of a country, to avoid the introduction of pests to that province. Print and fill out a customs form before you start your road trip to save yourself headaches later upon arriving at the US Canada border. In some cases, you may be allowed to pass through a country without obtaining a passport to reach another location in your own country. For example, you may be allowed to cross into Canada from the United States if traveling to or from Alaska, or to reach a destination along the US-Canada border.

You can keep them interested and entertained by pointing out cool signs and sights along the road. Sing-along songs are a great way to keep your little ones interested along the trip.

Always keep your heaviest items on the bottom of the trunk. If you need to brake suddenly, you don’t want any heavy items flying to the front of the car. You can store your things on the top of your car, but this can slow your vehicle down. [25] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Don’t pack your luggage up to the roof of your car—you need to be able to see behind you while you’re driving. [26] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source

Pick out food that won’t be messy to eat, like frozen grapes, snack mix, or squeezable applesauce.