The One Thing Smart Road Trippers Do Before Hitting the Highway This Memorial Day Weekend

The bags are packed, the playlist is ready, and the group chat is finally quiet. Memorial Day weekend has arrived, and with it, the official kickoff to summer road trip season. But before you merge onto the highway, there’s one detail that can quietly make or break the entire trip: whether your car is ready for the journey.

Long drives in summer heat can test passengers’ patience. But rising temperatures, heavy traffic and hours of continuous driving also wear on our vehicles. Road trips can push engines, tires and cooling systems to their limits. That’s why experienced travelers treat pre-trip car prep as seriously as booking the hotel.

For drivers trying to check one more thing off the list before a long weekend, Jiffy Lube offers a fast, simple way to handle essential pre-trip maintenance. With service centers nationwide and access to stored service records, it’s easier to get in, get what you need, and get back to planning the trip.

Before hitting the road, a few quick safety checks can ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey.

Start with the basics

Fluids are your car’s lifeline, especially in the heat. Motor oil helps regulate engine temperature and prevents wear, while coolant keeps things from overheating entirely. Transmission and windshield wiper fluids matter, too, particularly if your route includes long stretches of highway or sudden summer storms. A quick check, and an oil change if needed, can prevent bigger problems later.

Tires are another make-or-break factor. It’s easy to overlook them, but underinflated or worn tires can reduce fuel efficiency and increase the risk of a blowout, especially on hot pavement. It’s best to check pressure when tires are cold, and the “penny test” can determine whether tread is worn too low. Rotate and balance your tires before your trip so they wear evenly, and if they’re already worn down, then it’s time for a tire replacement.

Then there’s the “what if” factor. Even the best-planned road trips can hit a snag, so having a basic emergency kit in your trunk is a small move with big payoff. Think jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid supplies, water, and a few snacks. If you’re driving through high-heat areas, keeping a gallon of distilled water on hand can help in a pinch if your car starts to overheat — just be sure the engine has cooled before opening anything under the hood.

A quick visual once-over can catch issues you might not think about. Are your headlights and brake lights working? If not, it’s time to replace the bulbs. Are your wiper blades in good condition? Even clearing debris from the radiator grille can improve airflow and help your car stay cool in traffic.

This is also the time of year when quick, routine service becomes part of the pre-trip ritual. Oil changes, fluid checks, and tire inspections are the kinds of things that can be handled in one fast and easy stop. And they’re often the difference between a seamless drive and an unexpected roadside delay.

“Summer road trips are a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones while creating lasting memories together,” said Suzanne Clerkin, Chief Marketing Officer of Jiffy Lube International, Inc. “Jiffy Lube makes a pre-road trip oil change or car care preventive maintenance check fast, easy, and convenient, so drivers have peace of mind that their vehicle is ready for the road ahead and can focus on the joy of traveling with friends and family.”

To help drivers get ahead of the rush, Jiffy Lube is offering $10 off Signature Service Oil Changes heading into peak travel season or visit JiffyLube.com for local offers, making it easier to check off one of the most important pre-trip tasks before hitting the road.

Once you’re out there with your windows down and just open road ahead of you, the only thing you should be thinking about is where to stop next. Because, before the miles add up, it helps to know the important stuff is already taken care of.

This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 9:18 AM with the headline "The One Thing Smart Road Trippers Do Before Hitting the Highway This Memorial Day Weekend."