Posted on 8/29/2025
Driving from one side of the country to the other is more than just a long trip—it’s a true test of your vehicle, your patience, and your preparation. As a repair shop owner, I decided to take the opportunity to drive cross-country between Nevada and North Carolina not just for the adventure, but also to observe how vehicles behave over long distances and in different conditions. Here are some valuable insights and lessons from the journey, aimed at helping you get more out of your vehicle on long road trips and beyond. Pre-Trip Inspections Are Worth Every Minute Before hitting the road, I give my vehicle a full inspection. That included checking fluids, belts, hoses, tires, brakes, and filters. What I realized early on is that many road breakdowns can be avoided with simple preparation. Drivers often assume their car is fine if nothing feels wrong, but long-distance driving places a different kind of stress on your systems. For example, a tire that&rsq ... read more