Hitting the road for a little vacation can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming. If this is your first time taking your car on a road trip, prepare for some unexpected detours and possible delays.
Be open to an adventure and allow the road to take you where you need to go. Before you embark on this journey, there are a few things Goodfellas Collision wants you to keep in mind when taking your car on a road trip.
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama
Planning
You have probably decided to go on a road trip because there are people or places you want to see. Or, maybe you’re getting tired of where you are and need a change of scenery. Whatever the case may be, do a little planning before you go; not only with the roads and navigation but with your car and food to get you through.
Double-check that your car has the proper tire pressure, coolant, fuses and horn, wipers and wiper fluid, high and low beam headlights, and all of the necessary cables. A proper functioning car will result in safe travels. Take all necessary precautions and plan accordingly. (Checklist below)
Save on Gas
A steady driver who follows the speed limits can book more miles and as a result, saves on gas. Avoid hard accelerations after sitting in traffic or driving back on the freeways.
Also, when on a road trip it is a good idea to use speed control. Not only will this save on gas, but it will help maintain a constant speed and as a result, you will save on fuel.
Know Your Limits
There are a couple of things to consider when taking your car on a road trip. First, if the longest drive you have taken in your car is 300 miles in one day, do not plan on driving more than that during your road trip. Your car might be capable of taking the drive, but the longer the trip the shorter the miles.
Additionally, while some can make a 12-hour drive in a day others may need to break it up into a couple of days. Know your limits when driving to minimize risking your safety and others.
Insurance
Whether you plan on renting a car for your road trip or driving your own, plan on checking with your insurance company that you are well covered. Anything can happen on a road trip from locking your keys in the car to getting a flat or running your battery down.
Car Items to Pack
There are many examples online of what to pack in case of emergency, but a road trip kit might be your best bet and will save you a lot of time. In addition to your road trip kit, you will want to pack a blanket, water, snacks that can last in the winter and summer, as well as a first aid kit.
Take Your Time
Road trips should be fun! Take this time to go with the flow and enjoy the journey. Sometimes, the best moments in life happen when we become adaptable and allow spontaneity to flow through. Allot enough time for some unexpected experiences to take place.
One Final Check
Before you pack up, make one final check and run through the following to ensure a safe road trip:
• Tire Condition
• Fuses and Horn
• Extra Cables
• Tire Pressure
• Oil, power steering, and brake fluid
• High and Low Beam Headlights
• Fuses and Horn
• Coolant
• Wipers and wiper fluid
• Blanket
• Water