Before every longer trip
A quick walk around your vehicle catches common issues early.
- Tire pressure and tread, including the spare if you have one.
- Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals working.
- Wiper blades clearing the windshield without streaks.
- Fuel or charge level suited to your route.
Emergency roadside supplies
Keep a compact kit in your vehicle all year and refresh it each season.
- Reflective triangles or flares and a flashlight with spare batteries.
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter.
- Basic first aid kit, drinking water, and nonperishable snacks.
- Tire pressure gauge, gloves, and a blanket.
- Phone charger and a printed list of important contacts.
Winter preparation
Cold weather is hard on batteries and tires. Check battery health, use winter-rated washer fluid, consider tires suited to your climate, and add an ice scraper and small shovel to your kit.
Safe driving practices
Leave extra following distance in rain, snow, and darkness. Keep your phone out of reach while driving, plan breaks on long drives, and adjust speed to conditions rather than posted limits alone.