Durham and Raleigh road trippers, summer’s calling, and it’s time to get your Toyota ready for the open highway! Think of some of the best cars for a road trip, like the Camry or RAV4. At Mark Jacobson Toyota, we’re excited to help you get ready for great adventures, whether you’re heading to Chapel Hill, Cary, or beyond. Our Toyota road trip prep guide primes your ride for smooth sailing. Serving the Triangle, here’s how to prepare for a road trip with tips on maintenance, packing, and more.
Book a Pre-Trip Service Check
Before you pack your bags, give your vehicle a thorough checkup. Here’s a quick Toyota road trip prep checklist to help you get started:
- Brakes and battery: Listen for strange noises from the brakes and check whether anything feels off. Also, check battery connections for corrosion to avoid breakdowns.
- Fluids: Check and fill engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. This helps prevent overheating on I-40 and keeps your view clear during Cary’s summer haze.
- Lights & wipers: Test all headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and replace wiper blades for clear visibility.
- Tires: Check pressure and tread depth. Insert a quarter into the tread, and if Washington’s head shows, it’s time for new tires. Rotate or replace them for grip on Raleigh’s roads.
If you prefer to let the pros handle it, our expert technicians at our Toyota Service Center are ready to get your vehicle road-trip ready. Schedule a service online and take advantage of our service specials for extra savings.
Pick the Perfect Toyota for Your Trip

Toyota’s lineup shines for road trips. The 2025 Camry boasts an impressive 51 MPG hybrid efficiency. It’s perfect for long trips to Hillsborough. The 2025 RAV4, boasting 41 MPG and 69.8 cubic feet of cargo, is ideal for family getaways to Wake Forest. Need more space? The 2025 Toyota Sienna’s 36 MPG and third-row seating make it a top pick for Cary crews. Explore our new and certified used Toyota inventory of the best cars for a road trip.
Pack Like a Pro
A well-packed Toyota keeps your vibe high. Here’s what to stash for Triangle travels:
- Comfort items: Grab snacks, a cooler, and blankets for cozy drives to Chapel Hill.
- Entertainment: If you’re planning a longer drive, keep everyone entertained with playlists, audiobooks, or podcasts to prevent boredom from setting in. And don’t forget charging cables for your devices.
- Navigation backup: In case your GPS doesn’t work in areas with poor service, such as rural Durham County, bring a road atlas or download offline maps before you hit the road.
- Roadside emergency kit: Includejumper cables, a tire repair kit, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and water. These are essential for unexpected stops.
Keep It Clean and Organized
Wash your Toyota’s exterior and vacuum the interior to keep it clutter-free. Give it a quick spruce-up to improve your comfort and visibility because the Triangle backroads can be especially dusty. Refill washer fluid and check wipers for clear views through summer showers.
Why Mark Jacobson Toyota?
At Mark Jacobson Toyota, we’re your road trip wingman, serving Raleigh, Cary, and beyond. Our no-haggle pricing and Toyota President’s Award-winning service mean you get a fair deal and top-notch care. Check our new vehicle specials and hit the road worry-free.
Get your Toyota road-ready at Mark Jacobson Toyota, Where We Say YES! Schedule your Toyota road trip prep service online, or call (919) 493-5599 to speak to our friendly and knowledgeable staff. We’ll get your car road trip ready so that you can set off on your summer adventures knowing that your Toyota is up to the task.



