Road trips are many people’s favorite way to explore new places and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, in order to make the most of your trip, it’s important to prepare properly and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential issues on the road.
With that in mind, CFSC Auto Services has some hot road tripping tips for all types of road tripping enthusiasts this summer.
What to Pack Before a Long Road Trip
First things first: packing is an important part of preparation. Don’t wait until the last minute! Well before leaving, start listing all the little things that you’ll need and may even help you out in a jam. Helpful items include:
- Cooler with water and snacks
- Charger or USB car adapter
- Sunblock and SPF Lip balm
- Something to read
- Important contact information
- Physical map and directions
- Blanket
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire or tire repair kit
Naturally, you’ll also want to make sure your finances are in order so you have enough cash for the road. Bringing a prepaid debit card is a great solution if you want to make sure you don’t overspend.
Give Your Car a Tune Up to Ensure it Is in Good Driving Condition
It’s vital to make sure your vehicle is in top condition before any road trip. Take your car to a trusted mechanic for a full checkup to ensure that everything is in working order and there are no potential issues that could arise during your trip. This will give you peace of mind and avoid any setbacks that could ruin your fun.
Smart routine maintenance before a long drive include:
- Checking all fluid levels
- Testing your battery
- Filling tires
- Checking tire treads and rotating or replacing if necessary
- Cleaning the engine
A tuneup may also alert you to something that needs to be repaired, so give yourself ample time to make that happen, as well.
Take Preventative Steps to Prevent Overheating
It’s also important to take steps to keep your car from overheating, especially during the scorching hot summer months. Make sure you have sufficient coolant levels and carry extra water and coolant with you just in case. Keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge and pull over immediately if you notice any signs of overheating.
Park in the Shade When Possible and Protect Your Vehicle’s Interior
Keep in mind that the temperatures in a vehicle can soar well above 100 degrees on a sunny day. Too much heat will damage leather seats and age the interior. Whenever possible, avoid leaving your car in the sun for hours at a time. Crack open the windows and look for a nice, shady spot to park instead. A dashboard protector can also be a good way to shield the interior from the sun’s rays.
Plan Your Route in Advance
This may seem like a no brainer. But the advent of GPS has led some drivers to rely too heavily on internet services. Your phone or car’s navigation system could stop working for any number of reasons. At the very least, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your game plan, even if you don’t remember the name of every road on your journey.
Schedule in Regular Breaks for Safety and Enjoyment
Finally, it’s important to take regular breaks during your trip to avoid fatigue and keep yourself and your passengers refreshed and energized. By planning your route ahead of time you can schedule breaks every few hours for folks to stretch their legs, grab a snack and take in the scenery. This will make your trip more enjoyable and allow your fellow travelers to fully appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.
Visit CFSC Auto Services for Title and Registration
Are your stickers and tags current? At CFSC Auto Services throughout the Midwest, anyone can stop by and take care of:
- Lost or stolen stickers
- Title transfers
- Registration
- Other auto and financial needs
By following these road tripping tips, you can ensure that your trip is a safe and enjoyable one. So pack your bags, hit the road and enjoy the journey!
Your nearby CFSC Auto Services can quickly handle routine auto service needs and financial tasks such as check cashing so you have enough cash in hand for your vacation. Stop by your nearest CFSC location or check us out online to find out what else we can do for you today.