Canadian Road Trip Checklist

Let’s start with basic maintenance. If your car or truck will soon be due for an oil change, get it done before you go with motor oil and a new filter from NAPA or at your nearest NAPA AUTOPRO service center. All fluid changes are important, including the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.

Don’t forget to check your wiper blades before you take a long cross-country trip, because you don’t want them to give out halfway between Toronto and Thunder Bay. Of course, even if they do, you’ll still find NAPA Auto Parts stores along the way that can help you find the right replacement wipers for your vehicle.

Better pick up some windshield washer fluid, too. Rain-X ClearView cleans off bugs and tar while helping water bead up and flow off the glass, making it easier to drive in the rain.

A digital tire inflator helps keep your tires aired up on the road, which is important for safety, handling, and fuel economy. Plus, you can use it to pump up your bike tires when you get to the trail.

Since loads of new cars and SUVs don’t come with a spare tire anymore, consider keeping a can of tire sealant and a portable tire inflator on hand. If you get a flat, these tools can get you back on the road and to a NAPA AUTOPRO service center quickly and conveniently so you can get it properly repaired.

Spending days in the family SUV with snacks and drinks is a recipe for a smelly mess. Pick up a can of air freshener to help freshen up your vehicle overnight, along with some handy cleaning and protectant wipes to mop up spills before they become sticky stains.

Keeping multiple tablets and phones charged up can be tough. A dual-USB charger that plugs into any 12V power point in your vehicle can charge two devices at once. It’ll also charge them up more quickly than the built-in USB ports in older vehicles.

Bumps and scrapes happen when you’re on summer vacation. When things get a little more serious, a first aid kit is a road trip essential. Bandages, scissors, disinfectants, and more, you don’t want to use them, but you’ll be glad they’re along for the ride when you do.

Last, but certainly not least, are your snacks. You need to stay fed and hydrated on the road, and unless you want to keep stopping, you had better fill the cooler with goodies. A conventional ice chest works great for keeping your drinks cold, but if you’re tired of dealing with melting ice cubes (and water) consider upgrading to a 12V plug-in cooler. These devices work like refrigerators for your car to keep your water and pop cool on the road.