3 Fun Road Trip Games & Essential Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection for Kenner Families

December 1, 2019
CAMS Automotive

Updated for 2026: Our latest pre-trip vehicle inspection tips for Kenner, LA families hitting the road this summer.

If you’re packing up the car for a summer road trip, two things matter: keeping the kids entertained and making sure your vehicle can actually get you there and back safely. At CAMS Automotive in Kenner, LA, we see plenty of families come in right before a big trip, and we’re always glad they do. A quick pre-trip vehicle inspection can catch small problems before they turn into roadside emergencies.

So let’s cover both. First, the three classic car games for kids that make long drives feel shorter. Then, we’ll walk you through exactly what needs to be checked before you leave the driveway.

3 Fun Road Trip Games the Whole Family Will Love

You don’t need screens, batteries, or anything you have to remember to pack. These car games for kids have been keeping families sane on long drives for generations and they still work.

1. The Alphabet Game

The alphabet game is the one most families default to, and for good reason. Everyone looks out the window for letters on signs, billboards, storefronts, and license plates, working through the alphabet in order from A to Z. You can play as individuals or split into teams. The first person or team to reach Z wins.

A few house rules that make it better:

Letters on your own vehicle don’t count.
Q and Z are rare, call those “freebies” if you’re playing with younger kids.
Highway driving changes the pace. On interstates, you’ll rely heavily on exit signs and semi-truck company names.

It’s simple, competitive, and keeps everyone’s eyes off their phones for at least a good stretch of road.

2. 20 Questions

One player thinks of a person, place, or thing. Everyone else gets 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. If no one guesses correctly in 20 questions, the original player wins and goes again. If someone guesses right, they take the next turn.

This one works for all ages. With younger kids, you can limit it to things you’d find around the house. With older kids and adults, no restrictions, and it can get surprisingly competitive.

3. The License Plate Game

This game lasts the whole trip. Everyone keeps a running tally of license plates from different states, and the goal is to spot as many unique ones as possible. Driving through Louisiana and across the South, you’d be surprised how many states you can find in a few hours on the interstate.

Why a Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Matters Before You Hit the Road

Here’s where we switch from fun to something just as important: making sure your vehicle is actually ready for the road ahead. Long drives are harder on a car than daily commuting. Higher sustained speeds, extra weight from luggage and passengers, and longer time between stops all put more demand on your vehicle’s systems.

A pre-trip vehicle inspection is the smartest thing you can do before you leave. It’s not about being overly cautious, it’s about not letting a preventable breakdown ruin a trip you’ve been looking forward to.

What Can Go Wrong Without a Pre-Trip Inspection in Kenner, LA?

Tire blowouts: Worn or underinflated tires fail more often at highway speeds. A blowout with a car full of kids is a dangerous situation that’s almost entirely preventable.

Brake failure: Pads and rotors that are fine for around-town driving can fade or fail under the repeated braking demands of a long highway drive.

Overheating: Low coolant, a weak thermostat, or a stressed radiator can leave you on the shoulder of the road in Louisiana summer heat.

A/C failure: This isn’t just a comfort issue, in high heat, a broken A/C can become a safety concern, especially for young children.

Dead battery: If your battery is already marginal, the extra load of running A/C, charging devices, and powering electronics on a long trip can push it past its limit.

What Should a Mechanic Check Before a Road Trip in Kenner, LA?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from families getting ready to travel. Here’s a breakdown of what a thorough pre-trip vehicle inspection covers.

Tires and Brakes

For tires:

Tread depth (worn tires lose grip and blow out more easily)
Inflation pressure (improperly inflated tires wear unevenly and reduce fuel efficiency)
Visible damage such as sidewall cracks, bulges, or embedded objects
Condition of your spare tire because your spare only matters when you actually need it

For brakes:

Pad thickness
Rotor condition and wear patterns
Brake fluid level and condition
Any signs of brake fade, squealing, or pulling

Fluid Levels and Under-the-Hood Essentials

Low or dirty fluids are one of the most common causes of roadside breakdowns and one of the easiest things to check ahead of time.

Engine oil (level and condition)
Coolant/antifreeze (critical in summer heat)
Brake fluid
Power steering fluid
Transmission fluid
Windshield washer fluid

This check takes minutes but can save hours of frustration on the road.

A/C, Battery, and Everything Else

Louisiana summers are not the time to find out your A/C doesn’t work. We check the entire A/C system for proper cooling and refrigerant levels. If something’s off, we’ll catch it before you’re sweating through a seven-hour drive. We also test your battery using a Midtronics battery tester, which gives us a precise reading of your battery’s current health and how much life it has left. If it’s borderline, we’ll let you know so you can make an informed decision, no surprises.

Ready to get your vehicle checked before your next trip? Schedule your pre-trip inspection online or call us at 504-461-9838.

Why Families in Kenner, LA Choose CAMS Automotive

We know you have options when it comes to auto repair in the Kenner area. Here’s why families keep coming back to us before every road trip:

ASE-Certified Technicians: Our techs are trained and certified, so your vehicle is always in qualified hands.

Digital Vehicle Inspections: We show you exactly what we found with photos and notes so there’s no guesswork and no pressure.

NAPA Car Care Nationwide Warranty: Every service is backed by 24 months or 24,000 miles of coverage, no matter where the road takes you.

Lifetime Guarantee on Collision Repairs: For as long as you own your vehicle, we stand behind every collision repair we perform.

Honest, Transparent Service: Our motto is “We don’t sell. We educate.” We explain what your vehicle needs in plain terms and let you make the call.

Flexible Financing: The CAMS Finance Card offers six or 12 months with zero interest, so cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting your vehicle road-ready.

We’re a family-owned shop, and we treat every customer like one of our own. That’s not something you’ll find everywhere, but it’s what you’ll always find at CAMS Automotive.

FAQs About Road Trip Games and Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspections

What are fun games to play on a long car ride?

The alphabet game, 20 Questions, and the license plate game are three of the best car games for kids on a long road trip. They’re free, require nothing to set up, and keep everyone engaged for hours. The alphabet game is especially popular because it works for all ages and keeps kids looking out the window instead of at a screen.

What should a mechanic check before a road trip?

A mechanic should check tires (tread depth, inflation pressure, and spare condition), brakes (pad thickness, rotor wear, and fluid), all fluid levels, the battery, belts and hoses, and the A/C system before a road trip. These are the systems most likely to cause problems on long drives, especially during summer in the South.

What is a pre-trip tire and brake inspection?

A pre-trip tire and brake inspection is a safety evaluation that checks your tires for proper inflation, adequate tread depth, and any visible damage, while also assessing your brake pads & rotors and brake fluid. It’s a straightforward process that takes the guesswork out of whether your vehicle is road-ready. Catching worn pads or a low tire before a trip is far better than dealing with either at highway speed.

How far in advance should I get a pre-trip vehicle inspection?

Ideally, schedule your pre-trip vehicle inspection one to two weeks before your departure date. This gives your mechanic enough time to order any needed parts and complete repairs before you leave. Waiting until the night before limits your options if something does need attention.

Schedule Your Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection in Kenner, LA at CAMS Automotive

Don’t let a preventable breakdown cut your road trip short. Bring your vehicle by CAMS Automotive, and we’ll make sure it’s ready for the miles ahead. Our team will walk you through everything we find, explain it in plain terms, and help you make the best decision for your family and your vehicle.

Visit us at 901 Maria St, Kenner, LA 70062, call 504-461-9838, or book your appointment online at camsautomotive.com. We’ll take care of the car so you can take care of the memories.