Heading up to Big Sur, wine tasting in Los Olivos, or camping at El Capitán? Make sure your car is road-trip ready with this local checklist.
One of the best things about living in Santa Barbara is having the entire Central Coast as your backyard. Whether you're heading up the 154 to wine country, cruising the 1 to Big Sur, or taking the kids to Jalama Beach, a little pre-trip maintenance goes a long way.
The Essential Pre-Trip Checklist
- Oil level and condition: Check it before you leave. If you're within 500 miles of your next change, do it now.
- Coolant level: Overheating on the Cuesta Grade or Gaviota Pass is no fun. Make sure your coolant is topped off and the system has no leaks.
- Tire pressure and condition: Check all four tires plus your spare. The winding roads through San Marcos Pass demand good rubber.
- Brakes: Mountain roads mean heavy braking. If you hear any squealing or feel any softness, get them checked before you go.
- Lights: All of them: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals. Some of these coastal roads are dark at night.
- Wipers and washer fluid: Morning fog along the coast is real. Make sure you can see.
Bonus: The Emergency Kit
Pack these in the trunk before you leave Santa Barbara:
- Phone charger (and a battery pack, since cell service is spotty past Gaviota)
- Water and snacks
- Flashlight
- Basic first aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Blanket (coastal evenings get chilly, even in summer)
Schedule a Pre-Trip Check
Swing by Top Shop the week before your trip and we'll do a full once-over. We'll check everything on this list and more, so you can focus on enjoying the views, the wine, and the company. Call us at (805) 964-6554 or stop by Patterson Avenue.