The Pre-Road-Trip Car Checkup: 20 Minutes That Save a Trip
What to check before a long drive: tire tread and pressure, fluids, wipers, lights, the spare, open recalls, and what to have a mechanic look at instead.
Winter Mountain Driving: Chain Laws, Tires and Closures
How to drive mountain passes in winter: Colorado’s traction law, California chain controls, tire types, rental car limits and a winter kit.
Tolls on a Road Trip: E-ZPass, Toll-by-Plate and Rental Car Traps
How U.S. toll roads charge drivers, what E-ZPass and other transponders cover, why toll-by-plate costs more, and rental car toll traps.
Breaking Down on a Road Trip: What to Do, Step by Step
What to do when your car breaks down on a highway: getting off the road, staying visible, staying in or getting out, and calling for help.
Renting a Car for a Road Trip: Mileage, Fees and Insurance
How to rent a car for a long road trip: mileage terms, one-way and extra-driver fees, coverage you may already have, and the pickup inspection.
Electric Car Road Trips: Planning Charging Stops That Work
How to plan an EV road trip: fast charging basics, why stopping at 80% saves time, connectors and adapters, cold-weather range and etiquette.