Did you know that Americans drive an average of 14,263 miles per year? Whether it's a business trip, a family vacation, or a trip to visit distant friends and family, there are plenty of reasons you might be planning to embark on one or more road trips this year.

Before you go, it's essential to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the journey. Learn a few road trip safety tips that you can use to prepare for your next adventure.

1. Check Your Tires

Start by ensuring each tire is inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure, which you can find in your vehicle's owner's manual. You will also want to check the tread on your tires to ensure that it is longer than 2/32 of an inch. Remember to check your spare tire as well to ensure that it is ready for use should the need arise.

2. Check Your Cooling System

Check your vehicle's coolant reservoir to ensure it is filled to the marked level. You should also have a mechanic look at your coolant system to check for leaks, test the coolant, and replace the old coolant if needed.

3. Check Other Fluid Levels

Along with checking your vehicle's coolant levels, other fluid levels that you should check include:

  • Brake fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Power steering fluid

Make sure that each of these reservoirs is filled to the appropriate level and schedule an appointment for repairs if you notice any signs of leakage.

4. Test Your Battery

To avoid becoming stranded due to a dead battery, you should get your battery tested before any long road trip. You can test a battery's life using a multimeter or get your battery tested for free at many automotive shops.

5. Make Sure Your Lights Are Working

Test your vehicle's headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights to ensure they all function correctly.

6. Wiper Blades

Examine your wiper blades for any apparent signs of wear and tear. If you notice signs of damage and a loud screeching noise when your wipers are turned on, then be sure to replace your wiper blades before your trip.

7. Adjust Your Floor Mats

Floor mats may not seem a significant concern when it comes to ensuring vehicle safety. Still, floor mats that need to be correctly installed can potentially interfere with your ability to use the accelerator or brake pedal. Ensure your mats are correctly aligned and secured to avoid this risk.

8. Check for Recalls

One thing you might not think about is any active recalls. Check your vehicle’s status using the NHTSA's recalls lookup tool. If active recalls on your vehicle still need to be addressed, be sure to schedule an appointment for recommended repairs before going on any long trip.