What to Do Before Getting in the Car for Vacation | 2026 Guide

Taking a vacation by car is very enjoyable as it allows you to explore different cities along the way and plan your trip according to your own schedule. However, especially preparing the vehicle and the trip correctly before embarking on a long journey is of great importance for a safer and more comfortable holiday.

Packing your suitcase alone is not enough before going on vacation. You need to check many details ranging from tires to engine oil, brakes to battery, navigation to road conditions.

The General Directorate of Highways also recommends planning the route in advance, checking weather and road conditions, and sharing estimated arrival information with a relative during long-distance travels.

So, what should be done before getting in the car for vacation?

Here are things you must check before hitting the road.

1. Have Your Vehicle's General Maintenance Checked

Having your vehicle checked a few days before the vacation trip helps reduce the risk of breakdowns you might encounter on the road.

If you are taking a particularly long journey, have the following points checked:

• Engine oil
• Brake system
• Brake pads
• Tires
• Battery
• Cooling system
• Wipers
• Windshield washer fluid
• Headlights
• Turn signals
• Air conditioning
• Suspension
• Alignment and balancing

If your vehicle is due for maintenance, take it to the service a few days before the vacation rather than right before leaving.

This way, you can find a solution for any identified issues before starting your journey.

2. Check Tire Pressure

Tire inspection comes first among things that must be done before a long journey.

Tire pressure is important for the vehicle's handling, braking performance, fuel consumption, and uneven tire wear. Correct pressure values should be checked according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

Items you need to check:

• Tire air pressure
• Tire tread depth
• Cracks or damage on tires
• Uneven wear
• Spare tire
• Jack
• Lug wrench

Important

Do not arbitrarily increase tire pressure.

Base your checks on the values specified in your vehicle's user manual or on the sticker on the driver's door.

3. Check the Spare Tire and Tire Changing Equipment

If you don't want to experience tire problems on a long journey, having sturdy tires alone is not enough.

Ensure that the following items found in the vehicle:

• Spare tire
• Jack
• Lug wrench
• Tire repair kit
• Compressor

are present and in usable condition.

In some new vehicles, a tire repair kit may be used instead of a classic spare tire. Therefore, learn which system your vehicle has beforehand.

4. Have Brakes Checked

During vacation trips, the brake system is of great importance especially due to long descents, heavy traffic, and high speeds.

Before starting your journey;

• Brake pads
• Brake discs
• Brake fluid
• Condition of the brake pedal

must be checked.

If there are noises, vibrations, or abnormalities in the brake pedal feel when braking, make sure to have them checked at a service station before setting out on a long trip.

5. Check Engine Oil and Fluids

Checking the vehicle's fluid levels before starting the journey is important.

Especially:

• Engine oil
• Antifreeze/coolant
• Brake fluid
• Windshield washer fluid
• Steering system fluid (if your vehicle has one)

must be checked.

If you notice a drop in engine oil or other fluids, it would be more correct to check why they decreased rather than just topping them up.

6. Check the Battery

Having the vehicle fail to start during the vacation is one of the most undesirable situations.

Especially if your battery is old or your vehicle has been hard to start recently, have the battery checked before starting your journey.

Items to check:

• Battery voltage
• Battery terminals
• Charging system
• Starter performance

Checking the battery status before a long journey can reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns on the road.

7. Check Wipers and Windshield Washer Fluid

On long journeys, visibility is one of the fundamental elements of safe driving.

Therefore:

• Wiper blades
• Windshield washer fluid
• Front windshield
• Headlights
• Fog lights
• Taillights
• Turn signals

should be checked.

Especially in summer months, the front windshield can get dirty quickly due to insects and dust. A clean front windshield is important for driving comfort.

8. Check the Air Conditioning System

If you are going on a summer vacation by car, the air conditioner is almost indispensable.

Before starting your journey;

• Check if the air conditioner cools sufficiently,
• Check if ventilation is working properly,
• Check the condition of the pollen filter

should be done.

Especially when using the vehicle for long periods in hot weather, keeping the temperature inside the vehicle at a comfortable level positively affects the driving experience.

9. Don't Leave Fuel to the Last Minute

When going on a long journey, check your fuel level.

However, you do not necessarily have to fill the tank completely. What matters is knowing the fuel stations along the route and suitable rest stops in advance.

Especially:

• On highway routes,
• In mountainous areas,
• During night travel,
• On roads with fewer settlements

planning fuel in advance can be beneficial.

10. Plan Your Route in Advance

Instead of saying "there's always navigation" and starting your journey, review your route beforehand.

The General Directorate of Highways recommends planning the route in advance and checking weather and road conditions during long-distance travels.

Before the trip:

• Determine the main route.
• Review alternative roads.
• Determine rest stops.
• Check fuel stations.
• Plan highway and bridge crossings.
• Calculate estimated arrival time.
• Check road works and traffic conditions.

11. Prepare Navigation Before Starting

When using navigation, enter the address before the vehicle starts moving.

Dealing with the phone while driving can distract attention and endanger safety.

The General Directorate of Highways clearly states that handheld mobile phones and similar devices should not be used while driving.

Practical tip

Your phone:

• Secure it in a vehicle holder.
• Create the route before starting the journey.
• Turn on voice guidance.
• Download offline maps if possible.
• Have the charging cable ready.

12. Check Weather and Road Conditions

Especially on long journeys, weather conditions can affect travel time and driving safety.

Before starting your journey:

Weather + Traffic + Road Conditions + Road Works

must be checked.

Current information about road conditions can be obtained by utilizing KGM's route analysis and road condition services.

13. Do Not Start the Journey Tired

Perhaps the most important preparation to be made before going on vacation by car is not the vehicle's, but the driver's preparation.

Do not embark on a long journey sleepless or excessively tired.

Especially:

• If you worked until late at night,
• If you didn't sleep enough the previous night,
• If you have been driving for a long time,
• If you feel your attention is fading

take a break and rest.

The General Directorate of Highways also emphasizes that fatigue and sleeplessness are significant risks in terms of traffic and that frequent breaks are required during long journeys.

14. Make a Rest Stop Plan

Instead of thinking "let's arrive immediately," regularly planning rest stops is a more correct approach during long journeys.

You can determine your rest stops in advance.

For example:

Fuel → Breakfast → Short Break → Lunch → Coffee/Break → Final Stop

you can create a simple plan like this.

During rest stops, it is important not only to eat but also to walk around and rest.

15. Pack the Trunk Properly

Suitcases prepared for vacation, children's items, beach gear, and other necessities can fill the vehicle's trunk in a short time.

However, do not pack the trunk randomly.

Things to consider:

• Place heavy items as low as possible.
• Do not load in a way that blocks your view.
• Ensure the trunk lid closes properly.
• Do not leave heavy items unsecured inside the vehicle.
• Do not bring unnecessary items with you.

Also, remember that overloading can affect the vehicle's driving characteristics and fuel consumption.

16. Make Extra Preparations if Traveling with Children

Families with children need to prepare a bit more thoroughly before car trips.

You can bring:

• Child seat
• Water
• Snacks
• Wet wipes
• Spare clothes
• Small toys
• Tablet/headphones
• Trash bag
• Sunshades
• Necessary personal items

with you.

Also, planning rest stops in advance so that children do not get bored during long journeys can make the trip more comfortable.

17. Keep Water and Snacks in the Vehicle

Especially during long journeys in summer months, it is beneficial to keep a sufficient amount of water in the vehicle.

You can bring:

• Water
• Fruit
• Nuts
• Sandwiches
• Crackers
• Appropriate snacks for children

with you.

However, eating while driving in a way that distracts the driver should be avoided.

18. Prepare an Emergency Kit

It is beneficial to have basic emergency equipment in your vehicle.

For example:

• First aid kit
• Reflectors
• Flashlight
• Power bank
• Charging cable
• Spare water
• Work gloves
• Basic vehicle tools

can be kept.

If you are traveling in winter conditions, you need to expand your preparations according to the weather conditions.

19. Check Vehicle Documents

Check your vehicle-related documents before starting your journey.

Especially:

• Driver's license
• Vehicle registration certificate
• Mandatory traffic insurance
• Comprehensive insurance details
• Vehicle inspection status

must be checked.

If you are going abroad by car, you must additionally check the vehicle entry, insurance, Green Card, and other document requirements of the country you are visiting before the trip.

20. Check HGS and Highway Crossings

If you are making a long road journey within Turkey, check the highway and bridge crossings on your route in advance.

Checking the status of your HGS account and balance requirement before starting the journey reduces the chance of encountering problems during crossings.

21. Charge Your Electronic Devices

Running out of battery on your phone during a long journey can cause problems, especially if you are using navigation.

Before starting your journey:

• Phone
• Power bank
• Tablet
• Smartwatch
• Wireless headphones

charge these devices.

Also take your appropriate charging cable and adapter for the vehicle with you.

22. Check Travel Insurance and Reservations

Going on vacation by car does not make travel insurance or reservation checks unnecessary.

Especially for international trips;

• Travel health insurance
• Hotel reservations
• Ferry tickets
• Car rental
• Transfers
• Museum/event tickets

safeguard these reservations on your phone and, if possible, keep backups.

23. Perform Additional Checks if Going Abroad by Car

Going abroad by car requires different preparations than a vacation trip within Turkey.

Depending on the country you are visiting:

• Passport
• Visa
• Vehicle registration certificate
• International driving permit requirements
• Green Card insurance
• Vehicle insurance
• Power of attorney
• Border crossing conditions

check these topics in advance.

Especially if you are not the owner of the vehicle, it is important to research the necessary documents for border crossing beforehand.

Checklist Before Getting in the Car for Vacation

You can use the list below just before starting your journey:

🚗 Vehicle Check

☐ Engine oil checked

☐ Brakes checked

☐ Tire pressures checked

☐ Tire damage inspection done

☐ Spare tire/tire repair kit checked

☐ Battery checked

☐ Wipers checked

☐ Windshield washer fluid topped up

☐ Headlights and turn signals checked

☐ Air conditioning checked

🧳 Trip Preparation

☐ Suitcases ready

☐ Vehicle trunk organized

☐ Navigation ready

☐ Route determined

☐ Rest stops determined

☐ Fuel planned

☐ Weather checked

☐ Road conditions checked

📱 Technology

☐ Phone charged

☐ Power bank ready

☐ Charging cable ready

☐ Offline map downloaded

☐ Reservations saved to phone

📄 Documents

☐ Driver's license

☐ Registration certificate

☐ Insurance

☐ Comprehensive insurance

☐ Vehicle inspection

☐ Hotel reservation

☐ Travel insurance

☐ Required documents for abroad

Most Common Mistakes Before Getting in the Car for Vacation

Some small mistakes while traveling by car can make the beginning of the vacation difficult.

Among the most common mistakes:

• Getting last-minute vehicle maintenance
• Not checking tire pressure
• Not checking the spare tire
• Starting the journey sleepless
• Not researching road conditions
• Not planning rest stops
• Overpacking the trunk
• Leaving the phone without charge
• Adjusting navigation while driving
• Leaving fuel to the last minute
• Not checking vehicle documents
• Not researching necessary vehicle documents for abroad trips

are included.

Best Preparation for Going on Vacation by Car: Don't Leave It to the Last Minute

The most correct method for a vacation trip by car is not to leave preparations to the last night.

3-7 days before:

Get vehicle maintenance and tire checks done.

1-2 days before:

Check the route, weather, and reservations.

One day before:

Prepare your luggage, charge your phone and electronic devices.

Before starting the journey:

Check fuel, tires, documents, and navigation one last time.

This way, your vacation trip can start in a more planned and relaxed manner.

Conclusion: Prepare Your Vehicle for Vacation Before Leaving

Getting in the car and going on vacation is a great travel option in terms of freedom and flexibility. However, preparation is needed for a pleasant journey.

Vehicle maintenance, tire checks, brakes, fluids, battery, fuel, road conditions, weather, trunk arrangement, and the driver being rested are the basic items to be checked before starting the journey.

Especially, having your vehicle checked before a long journey and planning your route can help you prevent problems you might encounter during the trip. The GDM also recommends performing vehicle maintenance and tire checks before long journeys, and examining the route and road conditions in advance.

Check one last time before leaving for vacation:

Check the vehicle → Check tires → Plan fuel → Determine route → Check weather and road conditions → Organize trunk → Check documents → Charge phone → Set off well-rested.

To ensure your vacation starts beautifully, plan the journey itself as part of the vacation.