Ah, the great American road trip. Far from home, every mile marker you pass brings with it new sights, new experiences, new perspectives. Every unfamiliar small town beckons you down its quiet streets and quaint boulevards, and every new city seems to wink at you from its glittering skyline and towering buildings.
It doesn’t matter whether you plan to explore Louisiana or head for distant horizons -- a road trip is the adventure of a lifetime. But there's a caveat: your car needs to be up to the task of a long-distance drive if you want a fun, memorable trip. That's where our Thibodeaux Chevy dealership comes in. Below, we've outlined road trip essentials, including a vehicle maintenance checklist to follow during your pre-trip inspection. Check it out, then visit us today for preventative road trip service and repairs.
Louisiana Road Trip Advice
Don't forget the essentials.
It's tempting to cram everything but the kitchen sink into your new Chevy before you start your grand adventure. And while your new Tahoe or Silverado can certainly accommodate just about anything you want to bring along, it's easy to overlook the most critical items that should be on everyone's road trip packing list. Before you start loading up the luxuries, be sure to gather the following critical gear:
- Driver's License, Registration & Insurance Documents
- Fully Charged Phone & Car Charger
- Emergency Kit (Blanket, First Aid Kit, Jumper Cables, Flashlight, Basic Tools)
- Snacks & Water
- Spare Tire, Jack & Tire Iron
- Cash & Credit Cards
Have your vehicle professionally inspected and serviced prior to your trip.
We often hear a common question from drivers planning a long-distance drive: is my car too old for a road trip? The answer is that it's not too old -- but it might be behind on key services or requiring important repairs that need to be done in order to make it road trip ready. The best way to know whether your car is up for a long drive is with a professional road trip inspection conducted by our Chevy service center in Thibodeaux.
What does our team look for when you bring your car in for a pre-road trip service? Check out this vehicle maintenance checklist for some of the things we'll inspect:
- Check and change engine oil if necessary
- Ensure all fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid) are topped off
- Inspect and top up the tire pressure, including the spare tire
- Check tire tread and overall condition
- Test battery health and clean terminals if needed
- Examine and replace windshield wipers if worn
- Inspect and replace air filters (engine and cabin air filters)
- Ensure all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights) are functioning properly
- Check the condition of the brakes and brake pads
- Inspect the belts and hoses for signs of wear or damage