Since 2016, I’ve been driving trucks and cars across Europe — from the Czech Republic to the UK, through Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. And over the years, I’ve seen the same thing again and again:
Most car breakdowns don’t happen suddenly — they come from small things drivers ignore before a long trip.
I remember one situation in Belgium where a driver had to stop on the roadside because his engine overheated. The issue wasn’t serious — just low coolant. But it still cost him hours of waiting and unnecessary stress.
That’s exactly why, before any long drive, I take 10 minutes to check the basics. Not because I’m overly careful — but because I know what happens when you don’t.
If you’re wondering what to check before a long trip, this is the routine I rely on every time.
Engine Oil – The First Thing You Should Always Check Before a Long Trip
Engine oil is the most important fluid in your car.
If it’s too low, too old, or the wrong type, your engine will wear faster — and in the worst case, overheat on the road.
I’ve seen engines running rough or getting dangerously hot simply because no one checked the oil before leaving. That’s not something you want to deal with halfway through a highway drive.
What I always do before a long drive:
- Check oil level on flat ground
- Look at the color and condition
- If it’s too dark or close to the service interval — I replace it
A simple check like this takes minutes, but it can save you from one of the most expensive problems you can have.
This is also why I only rely on engine oil I know won’t fail under long-distance conditions.
Castrol
A proven brand with long-term stable quality for various engine types.
Mobil
High-quality oils suitable for daily operation and more demanding conditions.
Totalenergies
A choice for a balanced price-to-performance ratio in regular use.
Filters – Small Parts That Affect Performance More Than You Think
Filters are easy to overlook — but they directly affect how your car performs on long trips.
When air or fuel filters are clogged, the change is gradual. You might not notice it right away, but over longer distances, the car feels weaker and fuel consumption increases.
I’ve experienced this myself on long routes — the vehicle just doesn’t respond the same way anymore.
Filters you should always stay on top of:
- Engine air filter
- Fuel filter
- Cabin air filter (important for focus and comfort, especially during long drives)
Keeping these clean isn’t just about performance — it’s about driving without unnecessary strain on your vehicle. That’s why I always make sure these parts are in good condition before any serious trip.
MANN-FILTER
A proven brand commonly used in original equipment and offering
stable quality.
Bosch
A choice for regular maintenance with an emphasis on balanced performance.
MAHLE
Filters with a good lifespan-to-performance ratio, suitable for demanding conditions.
MANN-FILTER
A proven brand with long-term stable quality and frequent use even in original equipment.
Bosch
A reliable choice for daily operation with a balanced performance-to-lifespan ratio.
MAHLE
Filters with an emphasis on precise manufacturing and reliable performance even on longer trips.
MANN-FILTER
A proven brand with an emphasis on filtration quality and long lifespan.
MAHLE
Filters for daily operation with a good performance-to-lifespan ratio.
Bosch
A reliable choice for clean interior air and stable ventilation performance.
Coolant – The Difference Between Reaching Your Destination or Waiting on the Roadside
Coolant keeps your engine at the correct operating temperature. If the level is too low, your engine can overheat very quickly — and suddenly your trip is over.
That situation I mentioned in Belgium? It was caused by low coolant. Something that takes seconds to check.
Important:
- Only check coolant when the engine is cold
- Never open the cap when hot (serious burn risk)
A quick check here can save you hours of delay. And from experience, this is not something you want to gamble on — especially during long-distance driving.
Liqui Moly
A proven brand with an emphasis on engine protection and long-term reliability.
Febi Bilstein
Solution for regular operation with an emphasis on the proper function of the cooling system.
Mannol
A good choice with a balanced price-to-performance ratio for daily use.
Fuel System & Tires – The Most Ignored Checks Before a Long Drive
The fuel system and tires are often ignored — but they’re critical for a smooth journey.
I regularly use a fuel injector cleaner to keep the engine running efficiently, especially on long routes where performance matters over time. And tires — this is where many drivers take unnecessary risks.
A flat tire is not just an inconvenience. If you’re not prepared, it can completely disrupt your trip.
Before every long drive, I always:
- Check tire pressure
- Check the spare tire
- Make sure I’m prepared if something goes wrong
Having the right tools and properly maintained tires is one of those things you don’t think about — until you really need it.
Tlumiče – stabilita, kterou často začnete řešit až pozdě
Tlumiče nejsou něco, co by si většina řidičů před cestou kontrolovala, ale mají přímý vliv na stabilitu vozu a bezpečnost při vyšších rychlostech.
Z praxe vím, že opotřebené tlumiče se často projeví nenápadně — auto se více houpe, hůře reaguje v zatáčkách nebo se prodlužuje brzdná dráha. Na krátkých trasách si toho nemusíte všimnout, ale na dálnici je rozdíl znatelný.
Co zkontrolovat před dlouhou jízdou:
- Nerovnoměrné houpání vozu po přejezdu nerovnosti
- Horší stabilita při vyšších rychlostech
- Neobvyklé zvuky od podvozku
Pokud si nejste jisti jejich stavem, je lepší to řešit před cestou než během ní. Stabilita vozu je při delších trasách klíčová.
Bilstein
Performance, stability, and precise driving characteristics even under higher loads.
Sachs
A proven choice for a comfortable ride and reliable operation in daily conditions.
KYB
A high-quality solution with a balanced performance-to-lifespan ratio for regular and more demanding use.
My 10-Minute Pre-Trip Car Checklist
If you don’t know what to check before a long drive, this is the exact routine I follow:
✔️ Check engine oil (level and condition)
✔️ Make sure filters are within service intervals
✔️ Check coolant level (only when cold)
✔️ Keep the fuel system clean
✔️ Check all tires, including the spare
It takes a few minutes — but it prevents hours of problems.