Summer Road Trip Prep: What to Check Before You Leave Durham

Summer road trips from Durham are great. Interstate 85 connecting to Atlanta, I-40 West toward Asheville, or heading up I-95 toward D.C.: there are plenty of great routes from the Triangle. What's not great is breaking down three hours from home because of something you could have caught before you left.

This pre-trip checklist takes about 10 to 15 minutes in your driveway and dramatically reduces the odds of calling for a tow truck near you while you're far from home.

Tires: The Most Important Check

Tires are your only contact with the road, and they're the number one cause of highway breakdowns on long trips. Before you leave Durham:

• Check tire pressure when the tires are cold (before you drive anywhere). Use the PSI listed inside your driver's door jamb, not the number molded on the tire sidewall
• Inspect each tire for visible cracks, bulges, or embedded objects like nails or screws
• Check tread depth by placing a quarter upside down in the tread. If you can see all of Washington's head, the tires are worn and need replacing before a long trip
• Don't forget the spare: make sure it's inflated and you have the tools to change it

Fluids: Quick to Check, Expensive to Ignore

• Engine oil: check the dipstick. If it's low or dark brown/black instead of amber, do an oil change before you leave
• Coolant: check the overflow reservoir level. Low coolant in summer heat is a recipe for overheating on the highway
• Brake fluid: check the reservoir under the hood. Low brake fluid can indicate a leak or worn pads
• Windshield washer fluid: sounds minor until you're stuck behind a truck on I-85 with a bug-covered windshield
• Power steering fluid: a whining sound when you turn is a sign this is low

Battery: Summer Heat is Hard on Batteries

Most people associate dead batteries with winter, but summer heat is actually harder on battery chemistry. If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it tested before a long trip. Many auto parts stores in Durham test batteries for free. A battery that starts your car fine on a cool morning can fail on a hot afternoon when the engine temperature is high.

Belts and Hoses: Easy to Ignore, Costly to Overlook

The serpentine belt drives your alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor. If it snaps on I-85 in South Carolina, you're getting towed. Look for cracking, fraying, or glazing on the belt surface. Similarly, check coolant hoses for soft spots, bulges, or cracking at the fittings. These are cheap repairs at home and expensive problems on the road.

Before You Leave Durham: The Final Checklist

• Tire pressure and tread (including the spare)
• Oil level and condition
• Coolant level
• Battery age and condition
• Belts and hoses visual check
• Brake and power steering fluid levels
• All lights working: headlights, brake lights, turn signals
• Windshield wipers (summer storms are common on Triangle roads)
• Phone charger and a paper copy of key phone numbers in case your phone dies

What to Do If You Break Down Anyway

Even a well-prepared car can have unexpected issues. If you break down on a road trip, prioritize safety first: hazard lights on, pull off the road completely, stay in the vehicle if you're on a highway. Then call for help.

If you break down within Durham or nearby in the Triangle area, Bull City Towing responds fast across all of Durham, RTP, and surrounding highways including I-85 and I-40. For breakdowns farther from home, call your roadside assistance provider, or search for a local towing company near your location.