{"id":4504,"date":"2026-04-29T01:12:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T08:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/?p=4504"},"modified":"2026-04-29T01:15:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T08:15:58","slug":"what-to-know-before-a-washington-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/car-insurance\/what-to-know-before-a-washington-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington Road Trip Tips: What to Know Before You Hit the Road This Spring\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Before you hit the road this spring in Washington, you should make sure that your vehicle is in good shape by checking tires, brakes, and fluids, AND you should also have a plan for problematic weather (that is, rain) and problems along the way like flat tires. In this guide from your friends at Vern Fonk, you\u2019ll learn more about how you can get ready for your PNW adventure. Before you head out, also make sure that you have the right affordable auto insurance policy in Washington<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prep Your Vehicle for a Washington Road Trip<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to go full road warrior. BUT WAIT! You need to do some basic checks on your vehicle. You might have an old car, or maybe a newer model, but what you don\u2019t know is if your tires, brakes, and fluids are in good shape before you head out. The last thing you want is needing to get a passerby to jump you if your battery gives out in the parking lot of a Taco Time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Tires, Brakes & Fluids<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start literally where the rubber meets the road. How old are your tires? How much tread is left? Give them the old Vern Fonk \u201cAbe Lincoln\u201d penny test. Insert a copper penny into the rib, or valley, of the tread. The esteemed former president\u2019s face should be upside down in the tread and facing you. Is at least part of the president\u2019s head hidden from view? If you can see his entire head, the tread is dangerously<\/strong> low. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the topic of brakes and fluids: There is no corresponding Abe Lincoln test, unfortunately.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0a bit more complicated. Checking your oil (assuming\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0not rocking an EV) is always a good idea. You should also check your brake fluid and windshield washer fluid. But\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0worry about blinker\u00a0fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to have your brakes checked, especially if your trip includes mountain passes, steep hills, or plenty of stop-and-go traffic. Really, this is part of a bigger pre-trip inspection. Before you head out, schedule an appointment with a mechanic you trust and let them know you\u2019re getting ready for a road trip. They\u2019ll know what to inspect, what might need attention, and whether your car is actually ready for the miles ahead. It\u2019s a lot better to handle that in the shop before your trip than on the side of the road halfway to somewhere scenic. If you\u2019re looking for a good Washington mechanic, check out this list here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack an Emergency Car Kit<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The big items to include in your emergency kit<\/a> (you have one, right?) are things that can help you if there\u2019s bad weather or something goes wrong with your car. The basics: Bring spare phone chargers and battery banks, a flashlight, a first aid kit with medications you might need to take, jumper cables, water, snacks, and maybe a blanket. In your trunk, throw a spare tire and a jack. For those of us up here in the PNW, it\u2019s also good to have rain gear and a paper map, especially if you\u2019re headed into the mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan Your Route \u2014 Or Embrace the Scenic Detour<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Up here in Washington, a bit of planning goes a long way when it comes to avoiding ferry delays. There\u2019s also a lot of construction during the spring, which Google Maps and other map apps can help you avoid. Before heading out, it makes sense to plan out where you\u2019re headed, with an emphasis on some of the more scenic places in this beautiful state. That said, not every detour is a disaster. So yes, have a plan. Just leave a little room for improvisation, too. The goal is to arrive with a good story, not to run your vacation like a military operation. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Booking Lodging in Popular Washington Destinations<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Planning to check out Leavenworth, the San Juan Islands, or one of Washington\u2019s delightful coastal towns? Don\u2019t think that you can just roll in and grab a good room with a view. Vacancies are few and far between, especially during the peak season. The best approach is to plan your lodging ahead of time, including using big hotel sites like Airbnb and Booking.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Parks & Seasonal Access Considerations<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Washington\u2019s national parks are gorgeous, but they are not places where you should just show up and assume every scenic road is ready for you. There are some seasonal things you need to think about when you\u2019re planning your trip. This is what to keep in mind, by park: <\/p>\n\n\n\n