A road trip can be one of the most exciting and memorable vacations you will have, but without the right preparation, you might not enjoy your trip. Before going your next road trip, it’s important to make sure that your car is as ready as you are. If you car is not properly prepared for driving long distances, you could find yourself in an unnecessary situation that will put a damper on your fun, not to mention the safety hazards. To ensure a safe trip, here is a simple checklist to get you started:
Check Your Tires
Make sure your tires have the correct air pressure before you leave for your trip to prevent any problems. Do a quick inspection to check for bulges and other signs of wear on the tire. A blowout that happens in remote areas on the road can be a major safety problem. It can also cost you a lot of driving time to find a gas station or service center and get it fixed. If you notice anything suspicious about your tires, it may to time for a new set before you hit the road.
Check The Glove Box
It’s crucial that you have all of your important documents with you before you leave. Make sure that you have a copy of your registration and proof of insurance. It’s also a good idea to have your owner’s manual in the glove box in case you run into any unusual problems on the road.
Check your windshield for cracks and chips
If you notice a chip on your windshield, it’s best to get it taken care of immediately, suggests professionals at Auto Glass. Cracks and chips in your windshield don’t disappear. In fact, they can only get worse. Debris that may hit your windshield and varying temperatures can turn a small crack into a giant fracture across your windshield. It’s possible to fix small cracks and chips to prevent them from becoming worse, but if you have large cracks across your windshield, you will need to get it replaced.
Check All The Fluids
Although it’s obvious to check your oil and fill up on gas before you leave, it’s important to check the rest of the fluid levels to minimize your chances of having problems while you are traveling. Make sure you check your break fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. The windshield washer fluid is especially important to your visibility on the road with unexpected weather conditions.
Prepare An Emergency Road Kit
You should be prepared for emergencies, especially while on long road trips. Your car should be equipped with items like a flashlight, food, blankets, and bottled water. You should also have extra washer fluid, jumper cables, flares, and essentials for changing a tire. Most conveniences stores carry emergency kits that are already made so you don’t have to search for all these items.
Wash Your Car
Nobody likes going on a road trip in a dirty car that isn’t comfortable. Focus on cleaning out the interior of your car and clear out all the clutter. You don’t have to do any deep cleaning, but simply making room for your luggage and vacuuming the floors and seats can make all the difference in your road trip experience. Make sure you wash your windshield each time you stop for gas so you can see better and not use up all your washer fluid.
Preparing your car for the road is the best way to ensure you and your family have a remarkable trip. Take some time to do these simple tasks to enjoy a safe road trip.
