There’s no better feeling than hitting the road and making your way to a summer vacation destination. When it comes to road trips, however, you’ve got to ensure your car is up for the long-haul ride. Follow these tips on preparing your car for a road trip to make sure your ride is a smooth one, no matter the distance.
Clean your car
The last thing you want to worry about while you’re on the road is a dirty, stale-smelling car. Avoid the annoyance by thoroughly cleaning your car before you head out. This is especially important for those traveling with families or pets, as that will only compound on any mess that’s already lurking. Give both the exterior and the interior of your vehicle a scrub-down. There’s nothing worse than a streaky windshield or uncomfortable and grimy seats, so do yourself and your car a favor by cleaning it thoroughly. Make sure to use products made especially for cars, as standard cleaners such as dish soap can be too harsh on your vehicle.
Check your fluid levels
Nothing can ruin a fun road trip quite like getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. Avoid this unfortunate outcome by ensuring your fluids are full. Simply look at your oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels—along with any other vital fluids—and top them off as needed. Taking the gamble and assuming your fluids are at the proper levels is never worth it, especially when you might end up stuck in a place unfamiliar to you and far from home.
Double-check your tire pressure
When it comes to preparing your car for a road trip, your car’s tire pressure is paramount. A flat tire can wreak havoc on your trip, so take the time before you head out to check up on the pressure and adjust as needed. There should be a label inside your car that states the proper PSI (pounds per square inch), so use that as a reference.
Stock up on snacks
Spending long hours on the road is sure to make anyone hungry, but stopping every few hours to get a snack can be a pain as well as financially draining. Keep your energy up and your wallet happy by stocking up on plenty of high-energy snacks ahead of time. Snacks such as granola bars, fruits and veggies, and dark chocolate are tasty and healthy, and they’ll give you the boost you need to get through the ride.
Keep your essentials close at hand
Rather than pulling over to fumble through your bags every time you need to put on your sunglasses or take medication, keep any essentials up near you. Entrust these essentials to your fellow front seat companion—that way, your necessities will always be within arm’s reach.
Road trips can be quite the trek, but they shouldn’t be grueling. Follow these steps to make each long car ride as safe, stress-free, and simple as possible.
