7 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for a Road Trip

 

 
Road trip season is upon us! The summer is here and it’s time to hit the road with some food, friends, and see where the wind takes you. Preparing for a road trip is a good way to make sure that you have the best time. DefensiveDriving.com has put together a Road Trip Planner, with ideas for games, apps, and snacks, to help you make your road trip the best one yet; but before you even leave, there are some things that you should do to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the trip. Here are some things that you can do before you set off.

1. check the tire pressure

Many people neglect this important feature of the car, but with long stretches of road to come, it is essential that your tires are in good shape. A blowout at freeway speeds can be very dangerous. Check the air pressure using a pressure gauge, and compare it with your car’s instruction manual, to make sure that it is not too high or too low.

2. check the tread on your tires

You should also check the tread depth on your tires. You can do this by using a gauge, or even just performing the “penny test.” If you put a penny in the grooves of the tread and you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires. You might just need to get your tires rotated before you go, so check to see the last time that you did that.

3. check the spare

You cannot prepare for everything, and if you get a flat tire somewhere on the road, possibly some hours away from civilization, you will be in need of a healthy spare tire. Make sure that yours is in good condition.

4. check the air filter

When was the last time you had your air filter changed? If you cannot remember, the chances are you should get a new one. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to change, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

5. fill the tank

It might seem obvious, but having a full tank might just be the most important way to start a road trip. Even though you can usually fill up on the road, it will give you one less thing to worry about if you do it the night before.

6. create an emergency kit

You can be as prepared as possible, but sometimes breakdowns and other annoyances still happen. If you put together a sort of survival kit, you will be much better prepared to handle them. Don’t forget to include essential tools, a flashlight, an emergency radio or phone, a first aid kit, some nonperishable food, plenty of water, and a blanket.

7. Stock up on snacks and tunes!

One last thing to make sure that your car is ready–fill it up with snacks and good music, and then hit the road!