Winter’s over, school’s out and it’s finally time to enjoy the holidays. A popular pastime is road trips, which give people an escape to beautiful beaches, rejuvenating forests and thrilling desert experiences. But no matter your destination, you must always ensure your car is ready for long road trips that could potentially put a strain on its mechanicals. Below, we’ve compiled a car checklist for you to tick off before embarking on a new adventure:

Examine the battery: Make sure the battery is in good condition and there is no leakage or swelling. Take note of any warning signs, such as the engine light coming on or inconsistent or sluggish engine starting, in which cases a battery replacement is likely due.

Look under the hood: Inspect your engine oil, water levels and brake fluid, and refill them if needed.

Inspect the tires: Given the long distances you’ll be driving, it’s imperative that you make sure all four tires and the spare are free of cracks and punctures, are not worn out and are inflated to the recommended pressure.

Check the lights: For your safety and that of those around you, check that your car’s front, back and interior lights - such as headlights, taillights, signal lights, brake lights and hazard warning lights - are functioning properly.

Test the windshield wipers: If your front and back windshield wipers are skipping or squeaking, then it might be time to replace them to avoid any visibility issues while driving. Also, don’t forget to check the level of the windshield washer fluid/water while you’re at it.

Give the car a wash: Dirty or stained windows and mirrors can be risky, especially when driving at night, as they increase the glare from the lights of other vehicles around you, so give your car a wash on the inside and outside for a more enjoyable trip.

Prepare an emergency kit: So you’re best prepared for any scenario that may arise on the road, keep some of these items in the car: inflated spare tire, jumper cables, tool kit, flashlight and extra batteries, warm blanket, first aid kit, rope or chain for towing, tire repair kit and fire extinguisher. Anything else you can think of?

As with most things, planning well in advance will help you avoid common pitfalls, so do your research and try to be prepared so you and your loved ones can enjoy a fun, relaxing and safe trip.

As the local Lexus dealership, we welcome you to our showroom on Mecca Street to explore our lineup of vehicles perfect for your next road trip - be it the Lexus RX, Lexus LX, Lexus NX or Lexus ES.