A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Long road trips put extra strain on your vehicle, and a breakdown far from home is far more inconvenient than one close by. A simple pre-trip checklist can help reduce your risk of roadside trouble.
Check Your Battery
Have your battery tested if it's more than three years old. A weak battery is more likely to fail under the strain of a long trip.
Inspect Your Tires
Check tire pressure, including your spare, and inspect tread depth. Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues worth addressing before a long drive.
Check Fluid Levels
Top off oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Low fluid levels are a common cause of preventable breakdowns.
Test Your Lights
Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all functioning properly, especially important for nighttime driving.
Pack an Emergency Kit
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight
- Basic tools
- A first aid kit
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- A phone charger
Save Roadside Assistance Contacts
Before you leave, save the contact information for a reliable towing and roadside assistance service, both at home and in the areas you'll be traveling through.
Plan for the Unexpected
Even well-maintained vehicles can experience unexpected issues. Having a plan for who to call and what to do can turn a stressful breakdown into a manageable delay.
If you break down anywhere in the greater Milwaukee area, Midnight Tow is available 24/7 to help you get back on the road.