Get Road-Trip Ready with These NHTSA-Approved Vehicle Safety Checks

Summer is just around the corner, and that means one of America’s favorite pastimes is too: Road Trip!!! But before you hit the road, our friends at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have some reminders to keep the good times rolling (safely) during summer travel.

I don’t know about you, but summer road trips feel like freedom, but that doesn’t mean we can be so carefree that we overlook potential safety hazards. If you’ve ever been stuck on the side of the road in the desert with steam or smoke billowing out of the hood (I have!), you’ll understand the unique challenges of summer driving. Here are 10 tips to keep you safer on the road this summer.

1. Check the fluids. There’s more to keep an eye on than the oil level (although that’s an important one!). Make sure to check levels for brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, most service stations, tire stores, and fast oil change places, like Jiffy Lube, can give your car a once-over and top off any fluids that need it.
2. Check the tires. You should already be inspecting your tires monthly for sufficient pressure, but take special care before a long road trip. On top of checking the tire pressure, look for uneven wear or insufficient tread, and consider replacement if necessary.
3. Give the AC some TLC. No one wants the air to go out in 90℉ weather. Before packing the trunk, have your cooling system checked for leaks and ensure you have enough coolant. If needed, drain or replace old coolant. Note: Depending on when your car was made or where you live, you may need to have a pro deal with your coolant to ensure proper disposal of the old fluid.
4. Inspect safety features. Lights and wiper blades are convenient, but they’re also crucial for safety. Make sure all lights work, including headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and emergency flashers. It’s also a good idea to check interior lights—if you get stranded after dark, these lights will be important. Make sure wiper blades and mirrors are in good shape after the stress of winter weather, and replace them if needed.
5. Take another look under the hood. Don’t forget to inspect all belts and hoses. High temps can accelerate the degradation of rubber hoses and belts. If you see any bulges, cracks, blisters, or cuts in the rubber, get them replaced before you head out on the highway.
6. Check for recalls. You should receive notices of recalls, but to be on the safe side, use NHTSA’s Recalls Look-Up Tool to see if there are any critical safety issues for your vehicle. To stay on top of recalls year-round, use the SaferCar app from NHTSA to get alerts about your car.
7. Plan your route. It’s important to know where you’re going and where things like rest areas, gas stations, and EV chargers are along your route. If you’re a member of a minoritized group, such as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and other people of color, or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, you can plan for safe places to stop and places to avoid. Find queer-owned business and gender-neutral bathrooms on the Everywhere Is Queer app and avoid dangerous places like sundown towns with Green Book Global.
8. Stock up for safety. By all means, grab the trail mix and Smartfood, but don’t forget to stock up on safety essentials too. Make sure you have an up-to-date and fully stocked roadside emergency kit, a first aid kit, water, flashlights with extra batteries, and a crank-operated phone charger; these can be lifesavers.
9. Strap in. Make sure there’s an operable seatbelt for every person in the car, including an appropriate car seat or booster seat for little ones. If you’re traveling with a pet, keep them safe in a crate or with a pet safety harness.
10. Drive safely. Finally, once you hit the road, stay vigilant with safe driving habits. Follow the speed limit, adjust appropriately for changes in weather, limit distractions, and never push on if you’re drowsy. If you stop for a bite, skip the beer if you’re getting back into the driver’s seat.