How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Road Trip

A Complete Checklist for Safe Summer Travel in Iowa

There’s nothing quite like an Iowa summer road trip. Whether you’re heading east toward the Mississippi River, west across rolling cornfields, or loading the family up for a long weekend at a lake, road trips are a big part of life here in Marion. But before the snacks are packed and the playlist is ready, there’s one thing that deserves your full attention: making sure your vehicle is truly road-ready.

At Frank’s Country Auto, we’ve helped generations of local drivers prepare for safe, smooth travel. We’ve also seen firsthand how a little preparation can prevent breakdowns, costly repairs, and stressful roadside situations especially during hot

Midwest summers. This guide walks you through a complete, practical checklist to help you travel confidently and safely.

Why Road Trip Preparation Matters More Than You Think

Long drives put extra strain on your vehicle. Extended highway speeds, heavy loads, summer heat, and stop-and-go traffic all test your car’s systems at once. According to national roadside assistance data, more than one in three vehicle breakdowns during summer travel are caused by preventable issues such as tire problems, dead batteries, or overheating.

That’s good news because it means most problems can be avoided with a thorough inspection before you leave town.

1. Check All Fluids (The Lifeblood of Your Vehicle)

Fluids keep your vehicle running cool, lubricated, and responsive. Low or dirty fluids are one of the most common causes of roadside trouble.

Engine Oil

Make sure your oil is at the proper level and not overdue for a change. Long trips accelerate oil breakdown, especially in summer heat. If you’re close to your service interval, it’s smart to change it before you go.

Coolant

Iowa summers can push temperatures into the 90s, and your cooling system works overtime on the highway. Low coolant can lead to overheating, which is one of the fastest ways to end a road trip early.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid should be clean and at the correct level. Spongy brakes or low fluid can signal a safety issue that should be addressed immediately.

Transmission Fluid

Especially important if you’re towing, hauling extra weight, or driving long distances. Healthy transmission fluid helps prevent slipping and overheating.

Windshield Washer Fluid

It sounds minor, but clean visibility matters—especially during summer storms, construction zones, and bug-heavy rural highways.

2. Tires: Your First Line of Safety

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, and they take a beating on long trips.

Tire Pressure

Check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption, reduce handling, and raise the risk of blowouts especially on hot pavement.

Tread Depth

Worn tires struggle in heavy rain, which is common during Iowa summers. Adequate tread helps prevent hydroplaning and improves stopping distance.

Spare Tire

Don’t forget to check the spare. Make sure it’s properly inflated and that you have the jack and tools needed to change it.

3. Brake System Inspection

Before a long drive, your brakes should feel firm, quiet, and responsive.

Signs your brakes need attention include:

• Squeaking or grinding noises

• Vibration when braking

• Pulling to one side

• Longer stopping distances

  
  

Brakes are a safety-critical system. If anything feels off, it’s best to have them inspected before you hit the highway.

4. Battery Health: Summer Heat Is Tough on Batteries

Many drivers think batteries only fail in winter, but summer heat actually shortens battery life faster than cold weather. High temperatures cause internal battery wear, increasing the risk of sudden failure.

If your battery is more than three years old, or if you’ve noticed slow starts, dim lights, or electrical glitches, a battery test before your trip is a smart move.

5. Lights and Visibility

Being seen and seeing clearly matters on long drives.

Check:

• Headlights (low and high beams)

• Brake lights

• Turn signals

• Hazard lights

Clean your headlights if they’re cloudy, and replace any burned-out bulbs. Clear visibility helps during early morning starts, late-night driving, and summer storms.

6. Air Conditioning System

A working A/C system isn’t just about comfort it helps prevent driver fatigue and keeps passengers alert.

If your A/C isn’t blowing cold, has weak airflow, or smells musty, it’s best to address it before hours on the road. Summer traffic and construction delays can quickly turn uncomfortable without proper cooling.

7. Suspension and Steering

Long highway stretches and uneven rural roads highlight suspension and steering problems.

Watch for:

• Excessive bouncing

• Clunking noises

• Vehicle drifting or pulling

• Uneven tire wear

A stable ride improves handling, comfort, and tire longevity especially when your vehicle is fully loaded.

8. Emergency Kit: Be Ready for the Unexpected

Even a well-maintained vehicle should carry an emergency kit. Iowa weather can change quickly, and rural stretches may have limited services.

A solid road-trip emergency kit includes:

• Jumper cables

• Tire pressure gauge

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Bottled water

• Basic tools

• Phone charger or power bank

• Reflective triangles or flares

Preparation buys peace of mind.

9. Don’t Forget the Paperwork

Before leaving Marion, make sure you have:

• Valid driver’s license

• Vehicle registration

• Insurance information

  
  

It’s also smart to keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone.

A Local Perspective You Can Trust

At Frank’s Country Auto, we’ve seen what happens when road-trip prep is rushed or skipped altogether. We’ve helped customers who made it back safely thanks to a pre-trip inspection, and we’ve repaired vehicles that didn’t get that chance.

One of our long-time customers shared this experience:

“We were planning a family trip across Iowa and decided to stop at Frank’s Country Auto just to be safe. They found a worn tire and a weak battery we had no idea about. If we’d left without that check, we probably would’ve been stranded. Honest, affordable, and truly looking out for their customers that’s why we keep coming back.”

That kind of trust is something we take seriously.

Why Choose Frank’s Country Auto Before Your Road Trip?

We’re not a chain. We’re part of the Marion community. Our team focuses on honest inspections, clear communication, and repairs that make sense for your vehicle—not upsells you don’t need.

When you bring your car to Frank’s Country Auto, you get:

• Experienced, hands-on technicians

• Straightforward recommendations

• Fair, transparent pricing

• A local shop that stands behind its work

  
  

Final Road Trip Checklist

Before you hit the road, make sure you’ve checked:

• ✔ All fluids

  ✔ Tires and spare

  ✔ Brakes

  ✔ Battery

  ✔ Lights and visibility

  ✔ A/C system

  ✔ Suspension and steering

  ✔ Emergency kit

A little preparation now can save hours of stress later.

Schedule Your Pre-Trip Inspection Today

If you’re planning a summer road trip anywhere in Iowa or beyond, let Frank’s Country Auto help you travel with confidence.

A quick inspection can make all the difference between a smooth journey and an unexpected delay.

For free quotes please reach out to us at https://www.frankscountryauto.com/.

From our family to yours safe travels, and enjoy the open road.