If you’re planning to visit one of the country’s great national parks or scenic areas, you’ll want to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch by taking care of your vehicle. Before going on a trip you need to get your car checked and create a car emergency kit. Here are a few preparations you should take before going on a road trip.
Car Tune Up
If you are planning to rack up some miles on your vehicle, be sure to take your vehicle in for a tune up. Have your mechanic perform a complete inspection of your car or truck in order to spot and take care of small issues so they don’t become bigger problems when you’re three states away from home. Be sure to check all fluids and change the oil and filter in advance of a big trip.
Repair Chipped or Cracked Glass
Although you may have lived with that chip in your windshield for months with no problem, you’ll definitely want to have a professional in Pensacola, FL or your home town take care of any auto glass replacement services before your trip. Changes in temperature, for instance, can affect the glass and leave you with a big problem. You definitely don’t want to spend your vacation searching for an auto glass shop in an area you’re unfamiliar with.
Supplies for the Car
According to the DMV, you should plan to bring various emergency supplies for your car such as jumper cables, two quarts of oil, extra windshield wipers, a tire pressure gauge, roadside flares, and tools to change a flat tire (don’t forget the spare tire). Be sure to pack your AAA emergency card as well in case you need to phone for roadside assistance.
General Emergency Supplies
If you are going to be driving on remote stretches of highway, you should definitely pack some survival and general emergency supplies like a flashlight (with spare batteries), a blanket, matches, a gallon or two of water, energy bars, candles, pepper spray, and a road map. A map is particularly important to bring along since there is no guarantee you will have cell phone service in all locations and your phone could lose its charge.
Other Important Items
Your proposed destination may also necessitate that you pack certain items. If you are heading to a cold region, you might want to pack a thermal sleeping bag and an ice scraper. If you are heading to a hot region, you should pack extra water, sunglasses, and possibly even a rain poncho. It’s always a good idea to have plenty of snacks in case you get stuck in traffic for a long stretch of time. Almonds, raisins, and even dark chocolate can stave off hunger and keep you feeling energized and alert while driving.
The key to enjoying a great road trip is to be well prepared. A carefully planned itinerary can help keep you on track. If you’re bringing kids along, you’ll probably find that packing plenty of kid-friendly car games and activities is important too.