There’s nothing quite like the freedom of a California road trip. Windows down, snacks stocked, playlists ready, and the open road ahead, whether you’re hugging the coastline on Highway 1 or weaving through wine country in Napa. But before you take off on that long-awaited escape, your car (or EV) deserves a little love too.
We all get excited planning where to go, but let’s be real, the trip is only fun if your car doesn’t let you down. That annoying check engine light? The squeaky brakes you’ve been ignoring? They can turn a relaxing drive into a roadside nightmare. So before you head out, it’s worth taking a few minutes to give your ride the attention it deserves.
First up, registration. You’d be surprised how many Californians are driving around with tags that expired last month. It happens. Life is busy. But nothing puts a damper on your road trip like getting pulled over in the middle of nowhere. That’s where we come in. At Sticker Quicker, we help you skip the DMV chaos and get everything handled fast, so your car is fully road-trip ready before you even pack a bag.
Now let’s talk about tires. Whether you’re dodging potholes on I-880 or cruising through the Sierra foothills, your tires take a beating. Check for uneven wear, bald spots, or low pressure. Under inflated tires don’t just affect your gas mileage, they’re dangerous. And in 2025, with gas prices averaging over $5 a gallon in California, every mile counts.
Speaking of under the hood, give your fluids a quick check too. Oil, coolant, brake fluid, these are the unsung heroes of a smooth drive. If you’re not sure when your last oil change was, it might be time to swing by your local mechanic. And don’t forget windshield washer fluid. Nothing ruins a coastal view like bug guts you can’t wipe off.
If your brakes have been feeling a little soft or making weird noises, don’t wait. California roads can shift from calm to chaos in seconds, and you’ll want reliable stopping power when you hit that surprise traffic jam outside of L.A.
And then, there’s the EV crew. California leads the country in electric vehicle ownership, and if you’re rolling in a Tesla, Rivian, or Bolt, you’ve got your own checklist. Make sure your battery is fully charged before departure and map out charging stations along your route. Apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint can help. And here’s a tip: don’t wait until you’re at 5% and sweating it, some remote areas still have spotty charger access, especially if you’re headed toward national parks or less-traveled stretches of the coast.
EV Charging Apps for California Drivers
California’s EV infrastructure is expanding fast, but some areas are still a bit behind. Before you leave, download these apps to avoid charger anxiety on the road:
- PlugShare – A community-based app that shows charger locations, availability, and reviews from other drivers
- ChargePoint – One of the largest networks in California, great for urban and suburban areas
- Electrify America – High-speed charging across the state, especially on major routes like I-5
- ABRP (A Better Route Planner) – Build an EV-optimized road trip route based on your battery range and charger availability
And remember, some scenic areas like Big Sur, Sequoia National Park, and Joshua Tree may only have Level 1 or 2 chargers, so plan accordingly.
While we’re at it, do a quick lights and wipers check. Visibility matters, especially if you’re driving at night or heading into foggy areas like Half Moon Bay or Lake Tahoe. You don’t want to find out your brake light’s out when a cop does it for you.
Let’s not forget your car’s paperwork. Registration? Insurance? Tucked in the glove box? Good. If you can’t find them, or you need to renew, Sticker Quicker can help you do it online, fast, with no DMV lines involved. Seriously, don’t leave it until the day before you leave town. You’ve got better things to do.
Finally, pack an emergency kit. Nothing fancy, jumper cables, a flashlight, a few basic tools, and plenty of water. It’s California. You could be sitting in beach traffic one hour and in the middle of the desert the next.
Suggested Road Trip Prep Kit
Don’t leave home without these road trip essentials, especially if you’re exploring long stretches of California highway where cell signal is spotty and services are few and far between:
- Phone charger (car adapter + backup power bank)
- Printed map or offline map app like Gaia GPS or Google Maps offline
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Basic first aid kit
- Reusable water bottles or a gallon jug
- Snacks like trail mix, protein bars, or jerky
- A blanket or jacket for unexpected overnight stops
- Duct tape (trust us, you’ll thank us later)
- A multitool or Swiss Army knife
- Extra windshield washer fluid and coolant
Planning for “just in case” makes it easier to relax and enjoy the ride.
A road trip should be exciting, not stressful. Give your car a little attention now, and you’ll be free to focus on the fun stuff, like where you’re going to stop for the best tacos on the 101.
And when it comes to getting your registration handled quickly, you already know who to call.
Sticker Quicker helps California drivers get in, get out, and get on the road, fast. Visit StickerQuicker.com before your next road trip and let us help you skip the DMV.
