When you are preparing to travel cross country, there is more to the process than just booking hotel rooms and planning stops. In fact, having your car ready to make the trip is going to be vital. The last thing you will want to do is to break down in the middle of nowhere and to be left helpless.
This means that one of the first things you will want to do is to ensure that your vehicle has been inspected for maintenance. During this time, you will want to have the oil changed, fluids topped off and your tires rotated and filled, and your engine checked out.
Any filters, hoses and other items that need to be changed should be done at this time. That way, you reduce the number of risks that you will end up encountering.
Emergency Kits are a Must
Placing an emergency kit in the car is also going to be important. In the event that you do break down or have an accident, this kit is going to help to keep you safer and give you the tools that you need to avoid problems. Consider having a first aid kit, flares, flags and other basics that might keep you safer on the road. You don’t need to shell out a fortune for this kit, just ensure that it does have the basic items in it.
Add Tools
Another important thing will be to have tools on hand. Everything from a tire iron, to wrenches and even jumper cables should be in a tool box so you can find them quickly. The reason is that unexpected items can come up. When you have the chance to take care of these issues on your own, you will be able to avoid costly tows and repairs on your trip.
Most people tend to overlook the spare tire before they go out and just assume it will be fine. Before you leave, you will need to ensure that it is still in good repair and that it hasn’t been compromised by time sitting in your trunk. While you won’t need to commonly replace these items, knowing that you have an extra you can count on will give you some peace of mind and this can also help you to avoid being stranded.
Reduce The Clutter
One other thing to understand is that having too much clutter in the car is going to be dangerous. While your car fills with wrappers and other items, they do pose a risk. Try to keep items off your dashboard and away from the feet of the driver. If your car becomes too much of a mess, stop at a rest area and clean it out. The cleaner it remains, the safer you are going to be in this process.
There is a lot that goes into the planning of a road trip. Make sure you have these basics in mind and you should be able to enjoy the road trip you take.
About the author: Clark is a writer for Tennessee Speed Sport where you will find a lot of automotive tools and accessories that will help you along your road trip. Just be sure to double check the basics and be prepared for anything that might come your way. You can follow him on Twitter @wallshark84.
Photo credit: Eric Schmuttenmaer