Road trips hold a special place in the hearts of many as an opportunity for adventure and bonding. Whether it’s the scenic routes, the spontaneous stops or the long talks along the way, hitting the road with your family or friends creates lasting memories. However, the success of your journey largely depends on the preparation you put into your vehicle before you set out.
How to Prepare Vehicle for Road Trips
To help get you on the right route, let’s go over how to make sure your car is prepped and ready to hit the open road!
Perform Basic Maintenance Checks
First and foremost, your vehicle should be in optimal condition. Some basic checks you should perform include:
- Oil and fluids: Check your car’s oil level, brake fluid, windshield washer and coolant to keep them at recommended levels. Consider an oil change if it’s due soon to help prevent engine overheating and promote smoother operation.
- Tires: Inspect your tires for signs of wear and tear. Make sure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and verify the tread depth is safe. Also, check that your spare tire is usable and you have the necessary tools for a tire change.
- Brakes: Listen for any unusual noises when applying the brakes. Squeaking or grinding might suggest it’s time to replace the brake pads, which are crucial for safe driving, especially on unfamiliar roads.
- Lights and signals: Verify all your lights — such as headlights, brake lights, turn signals and interior lights — are functioning. This helps you see and makes sure other drivers can see you.
- Air conditioning: For comfort during summer road trips, make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning is working efficiently.
Pack an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is your safety net on the road. Your kit should contain:
- A first aid kit — bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze and pain relievers
- Tools — a jack, a tire iron, fix-a-flat and a multipurpose utility tool
- Roadside assistance gear — reflective warning triangles, a flashlight and extra batteries
- Extra fluids — an extra quart of oil, a gallon of water and some coolant
- Winter gear — blankets, a snow shovel and sand or cat litter for traction if traveling in cold weather
Be sure to tailor your emergency kit to the specific needs of your trip as well as the areas you’ll be traveling through on the way.
Keep the Vehicle Organized
A clutter-free car not only helps in keeping stress levels down but also keeps the driver focused and the passengers comfortable. Ways to keep the car organized include:
- Use seat organizers: These can hold everything from snacks and drinks to books and electronics, keeping them within easy reach but out of the way.
- Pack strategically: Place items you’ll need more frequently near the top or in special compartments. Stow heavier items low and towards the center of the vehicle to maintain balance.
- Bring garbage bags: Keep a few handy to collect all the wrappers, cups and miscellaneous waste. This helps in maintaining cleanliness and peace of mind.
Prepare for Vehicle-Related Road Trip Challenges
Road trips require close attention to vehicle reliability to avoid potential disruptions during your travels. Some practical approaches to address these challenges effectively include:
- Keep a close watch on your fuel gauge. Plan your fuel stops to top off when your tank dips to one-quarter full — especially in remote areas — to avoid running out of gas.
- Bring along a portable charger or jumper cables in case of a drained battery or similar issues.
- Monitor your tires consistently throughout the trip for proper inflation and tread wear.
- Watch your vehicle’s load to prevent overloading. Check its maximum payload capacity for optimal handling and to avoid undue strain on brakes and suspension from too-heavy loads.
Explore Public Car Auctions for a Road Trip Worthy Ride
An interesting way to get a road trip-ready vehicle or even upgrade your current one is through public car auctions. These auctions often feature a wide range of vehicles at potentially lower prices than dealerships. Whether you’re looking for a sturdy SUV for family trips or a reliable sedan for long drives, public car auctions can be a treasure trove. Make sure to do your homework before attending one by checking the vehicle’s history, understanding the auction terms and setting a budget.
Ready, Set, Road Trip!
As you gear up for your next road adventure, remember that the key to a smooth and enjoyable journey lies in thorough preparation. With the right maintenance, planning and organization, you won’t just be ready to hit the road, you’ll be set to make memories that can last a lifetime. Safe travels!
Author bio: Reid Zaritsky is Senior Vice President of Capital Auto Auction, a family-run business since 1988 that focuses on finding the right vehicles for families of all sizes. Zaritsky has been with the company since 2009, and has a background in science and engineering.
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