How to Prepare Your Car for a Family Road Trip this Summer

fortworthautodetailing • May 31, 2023

Summer is upon us! With that comes summer vacations and family road trips.


And while there is a lot of planning involved with family road trips—where you will stay, what activities you will do when you get to your destination, taking time off work, charging tablets so the kids stay entertained for at least a third of the ride—don’t forget to prepare your car for the trip!


Doing so is going to make for a much more enjoyable trip. You can enjoy the views and family time without having to worry about the car breaking down on your way out of town.



7 Steps to Get Your Family Car Ready for Summer Vacation


1. Schedule Regular Vehicle Maintenance


Following a car maintenance checklist, like the one we’ve outlined here, is a great way to keep your car in great working condition for those family road trips.


If you haven’t been keeping to a regular vehicle maintenance schedule, don’t worry! Call your local mechanic and see if he can get you in for a quick maintenance check before your trip.

At this visit, ask your mechanic to check the following areas of your car to see if anything needs to be replaced:

  • Oil
  • Fluid levels
  • Light bulbs
  • Windshield wipers
  • Air filter
  • Brakes
  • Belts and hoses


2. Make Sure Your Car Insurance Is Up-to-Date


While no one anticipates they will get in an accident or be pulled over on a family road trip, it can happen. Make sure your car insurance is up-to-date before you leave and that you have your information in your car.


3. Look into a Roadside Assistance Plan

We know these aren’t the fun and exciting things to add to your preparation checklist, but planning for all contingencies is important to think through. Should your car break down somewhere along the road, you may wish you had some sort of roadside assistance. Why not get it before you go?


Here are some roadside assistance options to help you decide on the best plan for your family.


4. Book an Auto Detail

You didn’t think we’d leave ourselves off this list, did you? We love helping families get ready for family trips!

Everyone wants a clean car when they travel—at least at the start of your vacation. We can provide you and your family with a clean family car for your family road trip, whether you care just about the interior or want a full auto detail so your car is clean on the inside and out.

Learn more about our different detailing options and how long each auto detail service normally takes.

BOOK NOW

5. Organize Your Car

Once you have a clean car, everyone wants it to stay that way…even on a family vacation. While it may seem impossible, with the proper car organization tools and steps, you can make it easier for the whole family to keep the car clean.


From adding a trash can to installing extra organization bins, you’ll be surprised what these little things can do for the overall tidiness of your car.

Get some more ideas for how to organize your car before your family road trip in our Complete Guide to Car Organization.


6. Check Your Tires

This is a step your local mechanic will likely check for you in your regular vehicle maintenance visit, but if they don’t or you want more options for tire repair and replacement, check out these tire shops in Fort Worth.

In addition to making sure your tires don’t need to be replaced or aired up, have a spare tire and the tools you need to replace a tire somewhere in your vehicle.


7. Consider Luggage Storage Options

The final step to take in preparing your family car for your trip is making sure the luggage is loaded properly.

If you’re worried about not having enough space for your family and luggage, don’t just leave your least favorite kid at home… Consider a cargo carrier you can add to the roof or the hitch of your car. Here is a list of some of the best cargo carriers.



While that may seem like a lot to coordinate, working through this list one step at a time can help you get through each task. And taking time to prepare your vehicle for your trip now is going to give you a greater experience because you know you’re driving a reliable, well-maintained family car on your trip.

Window Tinting Services
By SEO Team August 14, 2025
Discover how auto window tinting adds privacy, glass protection, UV blocking, and comfort—boosting both safety and peace of mind on every drive.
By SEO Team August 14, 2025
When it comes to caring for your vehicle, protecting its finish is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Paint protection film (PPF) offers a transparent protective layer that keeps your car looking pristine against everyday wear and tear, road debris, and environmental hazards. For discerning vehicle owners in Fort Worth and Aledo who value their automotive investments, PPF provides an invisible shield that maintains your car's showroom appearance while dramatically reducing maintenance requirements. Why Choose Paint Protection Film? Paint Protection Film stands out for its exceptional versatility and comprehensive coverage. This advanced protective solution can be applied to virtually any surface on your vehicle, including the front bumper, hood, door handles, headlights, side mirrors, and other high-impact areas most susceptible to damage. The film adheres seamlessly to your vehicle's contours without altering its aesthetics, remaining nearly invisible while allowing your car's original paint color and shine to show through beautifully. Beyond surface protection, PPF delivers significant financial benefits. Vehicles equipped with high-quality paint protection film typically retain higher resale values compared to unprotected cars. This preservation of your vehicle's exterior condition translates to a stronger return on investment when it's time to sell or trade in your car. Well-maintained vehicles with pristine exteriors attract buyers who are often willing to pay premium prices for quality. Key Benefits of PPF Installation Paint Protection Film provides robust defense against elements that typically degrade paint quality over time. Road debris, gravel, and stones that would normally chip and gouge even the toughest factory finishes are effectively blocked by PPF's durable barrier. The film also offers excellent protection against harsh UV rays that can cause paint fading and oxidation, particularly important in Texas's intense sun. Premium paint protection films feature remarkable self-healing technology. Minor scratches and scuffs that occur during normal driving can actually disappear when exposed to heat from sunlight or warm water. This innovative property ensures your vehicle maintains its polished appearance with minimal intervention, saving you from frequent touch-ups and detailed maintenance. The protective qualities of PPF also extend to simplified vehicle care. Once installed, you'll notice a significant reduction in required waxing frequency, with some vehicle owners reporting up to 80% less need for traditional waxing routines. This effortless maintenance approach provides tremendous convenience for busy professionals who want their vehicles to look exceptional without constant attention.  Simplified Cleaning and Maintenance One of PPF's most immediate benefits is the dramatic simplification it brings to car cleaning routines. The protective film creates a smooth, non-porous surface that naturally repels dirt and grime, making regular washing significantly easier and more effective. Everyday contaminants that would normally bond to paint surfaces simply rinse away with basic washing. The hydrophobic properties of quality PPF mean that water beads up and rolls off instead of pooling or penetrating, which drastically reduces potential water spot formation and staining. Bird droppings, tree sap, and road tar are far less likely to adhere permanently to protected surfaces, eliminating the need for aggressive scrubbing or harsh chemical cleaners. This improved ease of maintenance translates into practical benefits: reduced time spent washing, longer intervals between detailed cleaning sessions, and the ability to use gentler, more environmentally friendly cleaning products. Your vehicle stays cleaner longer, requiring less frequent attention while maintaining its pristine appearance.
Ceramic Coating Services
By SEO Team August 14, 2025
Explore ceramic coating vs. wax and see which delivers the superior protection, gloss, and longevity your vehicle deserves year after year.
More Posts