Diwali 2026 falls on 8 November, and the real travel for many families begins once the puja, sweets, and family visits get over. Once the holiday commences, the car comes out for hills, beaches, temple-visits or the long weekend getaway. Cars often sit idle through the festive rush, so this Diwali 2026 road trip checklist covers the 15 things to check before you leave.

Start With the Car

Check your tyres for pressure, tread and sidewall crack, and ensure that the spare is ready. Press the brakes and listen; a soft pedal or a grinding sound is a sign to visit a mechanic ahead of the trip. Top up engine oil and coolant, as a car which has barely moved for days goes into a long highway stretch. Next, give some thought to the battery, and replace it if the engine crank is slow. Test your headlights, tail-light and indicators, as traffic tends to build up in the evenings. Keep the wipers and washer fluid ready for the early winter mist, and give the AC and heater one run. Finally, pack a toolkit, torch, jumper cables, power bank and first-aid box.

 

Sort Out Your Documents

Ensure that your RC details are in order, and carry a copy in the car. Ensure that your insurance covers the entire trip, including the return, and that your PUC certificate is valid. Always carry your driving licence, and check its expiry date.

 

Don’t Skip the Challan Check

Most drivers tend to skip this one. Highway and city cameras often issue fines without any alert, and a pending challan can be an issue at a roadside check, a renewal or a resale. Do a quick challan checking by vehicle number before you leave. The MyMotor challan check app shows pending e-challans and RC details with just your registration number. 

Rules and portals differ by state, so if your holiday route passes through other states, check your record for each one too. Heading to the desert forts and lakes? Do an echallan Rajasthan check. Driving through Uttar Pradesh on the way to Varanasi, Ayodhya or Agra? Run a UP challan check. Planning backwaters and beaches? Do a challan check Kerala first. Going to Gujarat for the Rann or Gir? Check echallan Gujarat. And if your trip takes you to Darjeeling, Kolkata or the Sundarbans, a quick WB challan keeps you covered.

Plan the Drive Itself

Plan your route and fuel stops, note the toll plazas, and download offline maps in case the signal drops. Holiday spots tend to get crowded right after Diwali, so also book your stay in advance and plan your rest. Start early, take a break every two hours, and do not push through tiredness after a long festive week.

 

Ready, Set, Drive

 

A good Diwali vacation begins before the engine does. Check the car, carry the documents, clear your challans and plan the route, and your post-Diwali road trip will be calmer, safer and a lot more fun.