Route 66 Road Trip Ready: Car Maintenance for the Long Haul

Article summary

• Prepare Your Vehicle: Before your trip, complete essential maintenance like changing the oil, checking all fluids, inspecting tires and brakes, and testing the battery to ensure your car is ready for the long journey.

• Anticipate Road Challenges: Be ready for potential obstacles such as poorly maintained or unpaved roads, wildlife crossings at dawn and dusk, and unpredictable weather across different states.

• Pack Emergency and Tech Essentials: Carry a roadside emergency kit, spare fluids and a first-aid kit. Also, bring useful tech like a portable jump starter, an OBD-II scanner and navigation apps with downloadable maps for areas with poor cell service.

Rev up for Route 66’s Centennial Anniversary

In 2026, historic Route 66 will celebrate its centennial anniversary! That means the long stretch of iconic American highway that has welcomed ten decades of travelers will host new and repeat generations of visitors looking for forgotten towns, storied scenery, vintage motels and once-in-100-year festivities.

If you’re one of the many who’s planning to hit the roads for this milestone excursion west, your car needs to be as ready as you are! Knowing how to prep, what to pack and which technologies to bring will help you have a safe and stress-free journey across all 2,448 miles of “America’s Main Street.”

Prepping your car for the ultimate road trip

Don’t just hope your car makes it on your diagonal quest across the country—take the necessary measures to ensure it does. A “Route 66 Tune-Up” is an important first step in preparing for the wide range of climates, conditions and terrain you’re sure to encounter on this eight-state adventure.

Route 66 challenges to plan for

While Route 66 offers breathtaking scenery and a nostalgic journey through America’s heartland, it’s not without its challenges. Being aware of these potential obstacles will help you prepare for a smoother, safer trip.

• Poorly maintained or unpaved roads: Some stretches of Route 66, particularly in rural or less-traveled areas, are not as well-maintained as modern highways. You may encounter potholes, uneven pavement or even unpaved gravel roads. These conditions can be tough on your tires and suspension, so ensure your vehicle is equipped to handle rough terrain. Consider carrying a tire repair kit and checking your suspension system before departure.
• Wildlife crossings: Wildlife is abundant along Route 66, especially in remote areas. Animals like deer, coyotes and even smaller critters can unexpectedly cross the road, particularly at dawn and dusk when visibility is lower. Stay vigilant during these times, reduce your speed in wildlife-prone areas and use your high beams when appropriate to spot animals from a distance.
• Weather extremes: Route 66 spans eight states, each with its own climate and weather patterns. You could face scorching desert heat in Arizona, sudden thunderstorms in the Midwest or even snow in higher elevations. Be prepared for these extremes by packing appropriate clothing, checking your vehicle’s climate control system and ensuring your tires are suitable for varying conditions.
• Limited services in remote areas: Some parts of Route 66 are sparsely populated, with long stretches between gas stations, rest stops and repair shops. Plan your fuel stops carefully, carry extra water and snacks, and download offline maps to navigate areas with limited cellular service. A portable car battery power bank or jump starter can also be a lifesaver in these remote stretches.
• Historic detours and road closures:
  While Route 66 is steeped in history, some sections have been bypassed by modern highways or closed altogether. Research your route ahead of time to identify detours or alternate paths. Many of these detours lead to hidden gems, like vintage diners and quirky roadside attractions, so embrace the adventure!

By planning for these challenges, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy the journey and make the most of your Route 66 adventure. A little preparation goes a long way in turning potential roadblocks into memorable stories.

Essential vehicle maintenance before you hit the road

Even sticklers for routine maintenance should inspect their vehicle’s key mechanical components before a road trip. Given a car’s many fluids and control features, a lot can change in the intervals between maintenance, and sometimes small issues are overlooked that can escalate quickly on longer drives.

Key maintenance checklist

• Oil change and fluids (coolant, brake, windshield washer): Long trips place extra stress on your engine, so it’s vital to have your car’s motor oil checked and/or changed to prevent engine damage, overheating and breakdowns. Additionally, top off these fluids:
  • Transmission fluid – lubricates the engine
  • Brake fluid – ensures effective slowing and stopping
  • Coolant – prevents engine overheating
  • Antifreeze – keeps coolant from freezing
  • Power steering fluid – enables smooth steering
  • Windshield wiper fluid – improves visibility
• Tire condition and pressure (including spare): Check tire pressure and wheel alignment before any road trip, and rotate your tires. These measures improve comfort, road grip in hazardous conditions and fuel efficiency. Don’t forget to check your spare tire for proper inflation and healthy tread.
• Brake inspection: Have a thorough brake system examination to check pads, rotors, calipers and brake lines for wear, damage or corrosion.
• Battery check: Schedule a professional battery test to ensure it’s healthy and can hold a charge. The technician should also check for loose or corroded connections.
• Lights and wipers: Inspect all exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) and replace any that are burnt out. Check wipers for tears or cracks and replace them if the rubber is no longer soft or flexible.

AAA Member tip: AAA Members receive a free vehicle maintenance inspection upon request with any paid service at AAA-owned Car Care Centers or AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Members also enjoy repair guarantees and discounts on labor.

All those clichés about the journey mattering more than the destination apply to a trip on Route 66. Prepare for mishaps with these emergency car kit essentials:

Roadside kit must-haves

• Jumper cables, tire inflator, flashlight, reflective triangles
• Spare fluids (coolant, motor oil)
• Belts/hoses (for older cars)
• First aid kit (including personal and pet medications)
• Phone chargers, portable inverters
• Water and snacks

Must-have tech for road trip success

Road readiness isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about having the right tools and technologies to keep you moving, even when surprises arise.

Tech essentials

• OBD-II scanner: Quickly diagnose dashboard warning lights.
• Tire pressure monitoring tool: Alerts you to incorrect tire pressures, especially in hot desert stretches.
• Dash cam: Document memories and enhance safety.
• Navigation apps: Download maps from apps like Google Maps, HERE WeGo or MAPS.ME for no-service areas.
• Portable car battery jump starter/power bank: Backup for your car and devices

Explore more of the must-have car accessories (e.g., tire inflators, Bluetooth receivers, powered car fans) that could bring added safety, comfort and convenience to your Route 66 road trip.

Final tips for Route 66 road trip readiness

If you’ve long dreamed of going on the great American road trip and are finally doing it—congratulations! With a little preparation, your vehicle can be fully packed and primed for an open-road adventure on Route 66.

Key considerations

• The trip requires endurance (about three weeks) for both you and your vehicle.
• Expect wildlife in remote areas, poorly maintained roads and potential bad weather.
• Pre-planning is crucial—don’t just hit the road and hope for the best

Is your car ready for Route 66?

If you’re unsure about your car’s reliability, consider renting a vehicle. AAA Members enjoy discounts on rentals from Hertz, Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental. Prefer RV travel? Members can save $40 on RV rentals from GoRollick.

Plan your Route 66 adventure with AAA

You can access the AAA TripTik travel planner for directions and stops along Route 66. Want to do a little independent planning? Use the AAA TripTik website to create customized road trip itineraries or consult with a AAA Travel Agent for personalized recommendations and exclusive member discounts on hotels.

Keep essentials within reach for a smooth ride

Keep your insurance cards, vehicle registration and AAA Membership verification within easy reach, and have pertinent mobile apps, like the AAA Mobile App, readily available. It’s always a good idea to keep cash on hand too, as many of the small, local businesses along Route 66 are cash-only operations.