How to Prepare for a Road Trip
How to Prepare For a Road Trip
Before packing your car with all your bags, luggage and gear needed for your family vacation, there’s a few more things to prepare first. Even if you’re just taking a weekend getaway, if you haven’t seen a mechanic in a few months or had your oil changed, it’s best to check those things off your list! And guess what? We have two lists for you so you don’t have to make them! Keep reading to learn how to prepare your vehicle before hitting the open road.
How to Prepare Your Car
1. Have a mechanic look over your car.
Besides booking the hotel, a multi-point inspection for your vehicle is the best way to prepare for the added miles. Bring your vehicle to a mechanic you trust (like those we employ at our service center) for an oil and filter change, brake inspection and fluid inspection. We’ll check your car’s battery, headlights and transmission so you can have peace of mind on the road.
2. Inspect your tires.
Tires that are inflated with the correct poundage and have enough tread will provide the stopping power needed to avoid collisions with other vehicles. Tires that are older or worn down won’t perform at their best. You can easily check your tires’ tread with the penny or quarter method. If you need new tires, our tire finder is a handy tool that will find the right tire for your vehicle quickly, plus our service technicians are happy to help with installation and tire rotations.
3. Don't overload your vehicle.
When there’s a mountain of bags and luggage in the cargo area, not only will it be difficult to have clear visibility in your rearview mirror, but a car that’s overloaded will struggle on the road. The handling and gas mileage are both affected by the added weight, so if you find that your vehicle can’t handle all that you need for your trip, consider a lease or purchase from our new or pre-owned inventories. You might find something you like!
How To Prepare Yourself
1. evices: Charged.
While charging the night before is preferable, bring the car charger along for the ride, too. If you need to place an emergency call — or for long distances, use navigation — a charged phone or other device is imperative.
2. Extra Supplies: Packed.
For long or short travels, an emergency kit is a must. Ensure that it’s stocked with a first aid kit with up-to-date medications (of course), a blanket or an extra jacket, a few bottles of water and a flashlight with extra batteries. Bring a working pair of jumper cables and look over your tire changing kit for all the parts needed for a mid-drive tire change. We hope you won’t have to use these supplies, but it’s always best to be overprepared.
3. Caffeine: On Hand.
Pack soft drinks or energy drinks, chocolate, tea or coffee along for the ride, or prepare to stop for a little refresher. While it’s best to get a good night’s sleep the night before, driving early, late or even mid-afternoon can make you drowsy. If caffeine isn’t working, consider switching drivers (if you can), pull over for a nap or blast your music or A/C to stay awake.
4. GPS: Connected.
If the navigation fails on your phone or device, it’s an intimidating challenge to follow road signs to your destination. Most don’t have physical maps in their vehicles (but maybe consider having one just in case), so a GPS is a great alternative. It doesn’t need the internet for a signal, which means it won’t freeze or stop working mid-trip.
5. Stay safe.
A long day at the wheel can be wearing, so if you can, don’t travel alone. Keep the speed limit in mind, too, so your trip can be as uneventful as possible. Travel smart!
If you need your vehicle inspected or repaired before taking a grand family vacation, come see us at D&D Motors at 13655 East Wade Hampton Blvd. Greer, SC 29651. We look forward to serving our customers from Greenville, Spartanburg and the Upstate.