Road trips can be a lot of fun. You get to see the country, explore areas you may not have seen before, travel with friends or family, and end up at a fun destination. If you want to make the most of your road trip, and ensure a smooth drive, there are a few things you should do for your car before you go. By taking these preemptive steps, your car will be all set, and you can hit the open road with one less worry.
A Tune Up
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure your car is in good condition before you drive it. The last thing you want is to be all packed up, on the road, and your car breaks down an hour into your drive. The best way to avoid this is by taking your car to get a tune up before you go. Go to a mechanic you trust, and have them give it a thorough inspection. You may need to have things done like getting an oil change, installing new brake pads, or replacing worn tires. Dropping your car off a few days before you go, and letting your mechanic take a good look at it, is the best way to avoid hassles down the road.
A Good Cleaning
Once your car is in working order, you’ll want to give it a good cleaning. You are going to be spending a lot of time in your vehicle, and having it dirty will become annoying after you’ve been in it for a few hours. Take some time to throw away any trash, dust it off, and remove anything you won’t need for the trip. While you’re at it, you might as well clean the outside too, by scrubbing it yourself or taking it to a local car wash.
Emergency Equipment
You never know what could happen on the road, so it’s best to be prepared for any situation. If you get a flat tire while on the highway, or if breaks down while you’re driving through a desert, you’ll be happy you brought along the proper supplies. Stock your car with emergency gear such as a spare tire (and the equipment to change it), some flashlights, extra food and water, first aid supplies, and a few basic tools. When you’re prepared for anything, you’ll be able to handle whatever your road trip throws at you.
The Right Insurance
Even if you are careful, you could still end up getting into an accident. If this happens, you’ll want to have the right insurance. While most insurance plans cover you outside your state, it’s a good idea to check and see exactly what your current plan covers. If your plan comes with perks like roadside service, you should keep the phone number handy. In addition, if you’re going to be driving over the United States border, you should think about getting insurance from that country. For example, if you’re going to Mexico, consider getting Mexico car insurance. Your current coverage will likely not extend past the US border, so it’s a good idea to be covered when you leave.
Stuff To Make The Ride More Enjoyable
Finally, road trips are supposed to be fun, so bring along some items to make the trip more enjoyable. Load up your favorite music onto your phone, MP3 player or some CDS. Or download some podcasts or audiobooks if you want to learn something new, or hear a story, along the way. Also grab some of your favorite snacks, and put some drinks into a cooler. Packing food before you go will not only make the ride better, but can help to save you money, and give you one less reason to stop. Just be sure you keep anything that needs refrigerating in a cooler with some ice packs, or you’ll just end up throwing it away.
Being Prepared Makes Your Road Trip Better
Road trips offer us a sense of freedom, and a great way to experience the country. However, you can’t do them on a whim if you want to get the most out of them. By taking a few steps before you go, you can make sure your car is ready for the long drive, and that you are set to enjoy it. Hopefully the above list will help you to prepare for your next road trip, and you’ll be able to cruise the road without any worries.
