Are Your Car's Tires Ready For Your Road Trip?
A long road trip is a great way to travel. It's rewarding, enriching, and reminds you how fun life on the open road can be. The trick is to properly prepare, so you can avoid even a minor misstep that can derail your entire trip. Planning can help reduce stress, prevent car trouble, and turn long hours on the highway into a thoroughly enjoyable experience. To help you out, here are 20 ways to prep for a long road trip.
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1. Get a Full Vehicle Inspection
Before even committing to a long drive, you need to visit your mechanic for a full vehicle inspection. They need to confirm that your brakes, tires, battery, lights, belts, and fluid levels are good and ready to go. Remember, small car issues that are manageable at home can be a nightmare while on a long road trip.
2. Plan Your Route
Mapping your route ahead of time will help you avoid detours and greatly reduce stress while driving. Use GPS apps to plan your route and to review alternative routes in case of road closures, construction, congestion, or if there's something you want to see that's a bit out of the way.
3. Pack an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is a road trip essential, especially when driving through rural or unfamiliar areas. A kit should include jumper cables, a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, reflective triangles, and some basic tools. It's also a good idea to add some bottled water, a few non-perishable snacks, and a phone charger.
4. Check Your Tires
Tires are key to your car's safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Before embarking on a road trip, you should inspect your tires for pressure and make sure they are in good condition. Also, keep a spare in your car.
5. Organize Important Documents
You want all your important documents to be easily accessible. These documents include your driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, roadside assistance info, and reservation confirmations. If you're crossing one or more borders, make sure your passports are valid and on hand.
6. Pack Intelligently
Shoving everything into bags and then the bags into your trunk will turn into a nightmare for your road trip. Pack versatile clothing and only bring the necessities with you, and keep them within arm's reach.
7. Make a Driving Schedule
Plan a realistic driving schedule that includes breaks, meals, and overnight stops if required. You don't want to push yourself to cover more distance than necessary in a day.
8. Download Offline Maps and Entertainment
Cell service might be unreliable during some stretches of your road trip, so it's recommended to download maps before you leave. This will help you navigate without the aid of your phone or GPS. Do the same for podcasts, music playlists, or movies for passengers.
9. Bring Healthy Snacks and Water
On your road trip, you might encounter long stretches without a restaurant, and you don't want to have to stop unnecessarily. Pack a mix of healthy snacks, such as nuts, fruit, vegetables, and some protein options. You should also bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
10. Get Quality Sleep Before You Leave
Being tired thirty minutes into driving will lead to poor focus and slower reaction times. Get a good night's sleep the night before you depart, even if it means leaving a little later.
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11. Check Weather Forecasts
Leading up to your road trip, check the weather forecasts for areas along your route. You need to be prepared for rain, heat, snow, or heavy winds, depending on the season. Pack appropriate clothing, windshield washer fluid, and emergency supplies.
12. Clean Your Vehicle
A clean and decluttered vehicle will make your road trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Take out all unnecessary items from your car, vacuum the floors, and wipe down all surfaces before you leave on your road trip.
13. Set a Realistic Budget
Road trips can be less expensive than air travel, but they are still expensive, and the cost can spiral out of control. Estimate your costs for fuel, food, tolls, and some emergency funds. You should also set aside some money for repairs or unexpected detours.
14. Plan Breaks for Movement
Sitting for a long time can make you feel stiff and cause discomfort. When planning your road trip, include breaks for stretching, walking, and moving your body.
15. Test Your Vehicle's Tech
Long before your road trip departure date, you should check your navigation systems, Bluetooth, backup cameras, and all driver-assistance features. Also, make sure you are familiar with your controls to avoid distraction while driving.
16. Bring Comfort Items
You can make your long road trip more comfortable with a few thoughtfully selected items. Pack some pillows, blankets, seat cushions, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing for driving.
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17. Share Driving Responsibilities
If you're traveling with other licensed drivers, you should rotate driving duties. This will keep everyone rested and engaged throughout the trip.
18. Prepare for Limited Connectivity
Assume that at some point, you'll lose cell service, so share your route and plans with someone at home. You should also carry a written list of emergency contact numbers in case your phone dies or you are without service.
19. Understand Your Roadside Assistance Options
Confirm all your roadside assistance coverage and details before leaving. Save all the contact numbers and review what is covered. The important services to have are towing, jump-starts, and tire changes.
20. Be Flexible
No road trip will go as planned. There will also be small hiccups like traffic, weather, or unexpected stops. Be prepared for everything and be willing to adapt to whatever circumstances arise.
