5 essential tasks to make your car road trip ready

September 16, 2025 at 09:01 AM EDT

(BPT) - Are you planning to hit the open road? Fall is a popular time for a road trip, and it's not hard to see why. The cooler climate, changing leaves and fun seasonal activities make traveling by car this time of year a fun adventure, whether you go solo, with friends or take the whole family.

As you consider your travel to-dos, make sure to add car maintenance tasks to your list. Performing basic car care tasks is an easy way to avoid breakdowns during your autumnal getaway, so the only detours are the ones you choose. To help ensure you have an enjoyable, worry-free journey, NAPA offers its top five car maintenance tasks to do before your road trip.

Check tire pressure

Your tires are the only contact your car has with the road, so it's critical they're in tip-top shape before you leave your driveway for your vacation.

First, check your tire pressure. The cool autumn weather can cause tire pressure to drop. Low tire pressure may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear and blowouts. Before filling up your tires, check your owner's manual or the label on the driver's door jamb to find the ideal pressure for your tires.

Pro tip: While you're checking your tire pressure, take a moment to inspect the tread. If the tread depth is less than 4/32 inches, you should consider changing your tires.

A technician pours NAPA High Mileage SW-30 motor oil into a vehicle

Change oil

Changing your vehicle's oil before you leave on your big fall road trip is one of the most important things you can check off your preparation task list. An oil change can boost your fuel efficiency and ensure your engine is clean and well-lubricated so that you can avoid costly repairs down the road.

For your oil change, pick a product that offers superior protection and performance, such as NAPA Full Synthetic High Mileage Motor Oil. This advanced synthetic blend ensures optimal lubrication in extreme temperatures, reduces emissions and keeps engines cleaner.

Thanks to high-mileage additives like seal conditioners, NAPA's high-mileage motor oil helps minimize leaks and oil consumption while enhancing fuel economy through reduced engine drag. The oil also contains friction-reducing agents and detergents that protect against wear, prevent sludge buildup and maintain engine efficiency. Compatible with both gasoline and diesel engines, including turbocharged systems, it's a reliable choice for long-lasting engine health.

A NAPA Gold oil filter and bottle of NAPA SW-30 motor oil sit on a table under an elevated vehicle.

Replace the oil filter

Don't forget to replace your oil filter! A clean oil filter traps debris, keeps your oil clean and removes contaminants that can cause damage to your car. When you change your oil but keep the old filter, you're contaminating the new, clean oil with old, dirty oil, essentially defeating the purpose of an oil change.

When replacing your oil filter, use a filter built for real-world driving. For example, NAPA Gold Filters are designed for any driving condition, offering up to 10,000 miles of filtration with premium components that trap up to 99% of contaminants and hold up to twice as much debris as conventional filters. Their durable construction, optimal oil flow and reliable cold-start protection make them a trusted choice for both professionals and DIYers. So, whether you're commuting, road-tripping or facing stop-and-go traffic, you can drive with peace of mind.

A technician checks the fluid level in a vehicle using a dipstick.

Inspect and replace lights

Fall ushers in shorter days and earlier nights. To keep yourself and other cars on the road safe, check that all your vehicle lights are functional. That includes the headlights, taillights, brake lights, hazards, turn signals and fog lights.

Pro tip: Headlights should be replaced in pairs, so if a light on one side is out, it's a good idea to get ahead of any issues and change the matching light on the other side. NAPA Lamps has a full selection from which to choose.

Swap wipers

When's the last time you replaced your wiper blades? If you can't remember, it's time to install a new pair. Worn wiper blades can't clean the windshield properly, leaving streaks and limiting your view of the road.

Check your owner's manual to find the right length wiper blades for your make and model. Don't forget the rear wipers! They're just as important to keeping you safe while you drive.

This fall, show your car a little love. By completing these five important car maintenance tasks, you can drive with confidence no matter where the road takes you.

For more information on fall road trip tips, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Don't forget to check out all the auto parts available on NAPAOnline and find a NAPA Auto Care location for routine maintenance and repairs.

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5 essential tasks to make your car road trip ready

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