Today is National Road Trip Day — the Friday before Memorial Day — and if you're one of the 43.8 million Americans AAA projects will travel this weekend, your car is about to earn its keep.
The vast majority of those travelers, around 88%, are driving. That's a lot of vehicles hitting the road at once. And a lot of breakdowns, flat tires, and overheating engines that could have been avoided with a quick check before leaving the driveway.
Quick Vehicle Readiness Checklist
You don't need a mechanic to run through this. Most of it takes 15 minutes in your own driveway:
- Tires — check pressure (including the spare) and look for uneven wear or cracking
- Oil — pull the dipstick; if it's dark and gritty, you're overdue
- Coolant — check the reservoir when the engine is cold
- Brakes — if they're squealing, grinding, or pulling, don't wait
- Lights — walk around and confirm all bulbs are working
- Windshield wipers — streaking or skipping means replace them before you go
- Battery terminals — look for corrosion; if it won't start reliably now, it won't start at a rest stop in Tennessee either
If anything looks off and you're not sure, a quick call to a shop or mobile mechanic can save you a much worse situation on the interstate.
Find a Mechanic Before You Leave, Not After
One of the most common travel mistakes is waiting until something goes wrong to look for help. When you're stranded 200 miles from home, you're at the mercy of whoever shows up — and that's not always the most ethical option.
Before you go:
- Search for shops along your route and save a few numbers
- Check EthicalMechanic.org to find vetted mechanics in areas you'll pass through
- Know your roadside assistance coverage (AAA, insurance, or manufacturer)
If Something Goes Wrong on the Road
Stay calm, stay safe, and don't panic-accept the first repair quote you get.
"A breakdown on the road is stressful. But agreeing to an overpriced repair in a strange town is a choice — one you can avoid with a few minutes of preparation."
If you break down:
- Get off the road completely and turn on hazard lights
- Call your roadside assistance first — they'll tow you somewhere reputable
- Don't authorize major repairs from a shop you just met without getting a second opinion when possible
- Ask for an itemized estimate in writing before you agree to anything
The best road trip is one where the car stays invisible — just a reliable machine getting you where you're going. A little attention before you leave makes that a lot more likely.
Drive safe, and enjoy the weekend.