How to Prep a Road Trip Car for 14‑Hour Drives (From Someone Who Drives Between LA and Portland)

Taking on a long road trip—like the 14-hour trek between Los Angeles and Portland—requires more than just snacks and a playlist. Whether it’s your first long-haul or a regular route, prepping your car properly will ensure comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

This guide walks you through everything you need to check before you hit the road, based on real-life experience making the LA-to-Portland drive multiple times a year.

1. Check Tire Pressure and Tread

Tires are your first line of defense on a long drive. Here’s what to do:

Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, ideally the morning before you leave.
Inflate to the recommended PSI found on your driver-side door sticker.
Inspect the tread by inserting a penny upside down—if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
Don’t forget the spare tire—make sure it’s fully inflated and accessible.

Pro Tip: Use a portable tire inflator and pressure gauge—they’ll come in handy if you lose pressure in remote areas.

You might also be interested in: Best Tires for Low Road Noise

2. Check and Top Off Fluids

A 14-hour drive puts your engine to the test. Here’s what to check:

Engine Oil: Make sure it’s fresh and at the correct level. If you’re close to your oil change interval, do it before the trip.
Coolant: Crucial for long uphill stretches—especially on I-5 mountain passes.
Transmission Fluid: Especially for older vehicles—ensure it’s not burnt or low.
Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid: Top off if needed.
Windshield Washer Fluid: You’ll need this often on bug-heavy roads or wet coastal weather.

If your car’s dashboard doesn’t alert you to low fluids, check them manually or have a mechanic do a quick pre-trip inspection.

3. Make the Interior Comfortable

You’ll be in that seat for over half a day, so comfort matters:

Adjust your seat and lumbar support before departure.
Use a gel seat cushion or lumbar pillow for better spine support.
Clear clutter and organize essentials with a trunk organizer and front-seat caddy.

4. Keep the Cabin Cool and Glare-Free

Sun can be brutal across Central California or the Willamette Valley. Protect your interior and your eyes with:

A high-quality windshield sunshade for long rest stops.
Tinted side window sunshades to reduce glare and heat.
Polarized sunglasses to ease eye strain during golden hour and early morning drives.

Check out: Top Rated Windshield Sun Shades

5. Pack Your Emergency Kit

Being stuck without tools, power, or a spare charger can turn a long drive into a nightmare. Every road tripper should carry:

A first aid kit
Jumper cables or a jump starter pack
Tire patch kit and portable air compressor
Flashlight or LED headlamp
Emergency snacks and bottled water
Phone chargers and backup power bank
Printed map or offline GPS backup in case of no service

6. Don’t Forget Entertainment and Rest Stops

A 14-hour drive will drag without breaks. Keep it enjoyable:

Download podcasts, audiobooks, and offline playlists.
Pre-map rest areas and fuel stops—plan to stop every 2–3 hours to stretch.
Bring along snacks, electrolyte drinks, and plenty of water.
If you’re traveling with friends, rotate driving duties to stay fresh.

7. Final Night-Before Checklist

Before you sleep the night prior to your trip:

Fully charge all devices and power banks
Lay out your sunglasses, license, registration, and insurance
Clean your windshield inside and out for glare reduction
Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep—alertness is everything