Road trips can be one of the best ways to see the country, as long as you prepare properly and know what you’re doing. Unfortunately, going on a road trip unprepared can turn into a horrific experience, as exemplified by various road trip disaster films made throughout the years.
Thankfully, with the help of this article and some proper preparation, you can make your road trip one to remember and less like something that resembles National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Whether you’re trying to make the drive in a rental, or you’ve secured something from the safe and reliable selection of auto auction vehicles available like those from auto auctions open to the public you’re going to want to make sure it can get you where you need to go.
Furthermore, you will want to prepare for the overall journey to make it go as smoothly as possible.
To help ease your planning process and make your vacation as safe as possible, keep the following tips in mind when planning your road trip.
1. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Road Safe And Road Ready
No matter where you’ve gotten your automobile from, whether it be a dealer, private seller, or auto auction, you want to ensure your vehicle is safe and ready for the road before heading out on any extended journey.
Therefore, you will want to schedule a comprehensive automotive inspection and take care of any potential problems before ever setting out on the road.
This process includes having all of your lights checked, along with your oil condition, coolant and wiper fluid levels, the condition of your spare, your brakes, your air filters, and your belts, caps, and hoses. Having these in proper working condition before heading out is paramount, as nothing derails a road trip faster than a car breaking down.
2. Plan Your Trip Ahead
Aside from having a safe and properly functioning automobile to take you where you need to go, you’re going to want to properly plan your trip out ahead of time. While your final destination is ultimately where you’re trying to go, you want to plan out the entire trip ahead of time to help maximize your time and get the most out of your trip.
3. Plan Breaks
On top of having your destination and the route to get there planned out ahead of time to help you make the most out of your journey, you want to plan out any stops and breaks ahead of time too. Rest is important while driving, and you never want to be on the road while you’re drowsy. Make any necessary overnight accommodations.
4. Bring Clothes
This one is a pretty basic rule of thumb regarding taking any trip, even if you’re simply staying at a relative’s overnight. No matter where you’re going, whether it’s for a night or a week, you’re going to want to have extra clothes on hand to change into as needed.
In general, pack an outfit for each day you’re going to be out, along with an extra set in case of emergency and any toiletries you may need.
5. Bring Snacks
Another understated tip to keep in mind, but one that’s important nonetheless, is to ensure you have some snacks stocked up for the journey ahead. Of course, you’re going to want to plan out proper food breaks, not only for the sake of taking a break but also to actually enjoy some food and put real fuel into your body, but having snacks can help keep you satisfied in the meantime.
6. Bring Entertainment
While not as vital as ensuring your car is in the right working order, having entertainment on hand to help get you through an extended journey is still an important thing to keep in mind.
Whether you love a good audiobook, want to catch up on your favorite podcasts, or have a stack of favorite CDs on hand, remaining entertained is an important way to help you stay sane while engaging in the monotony of a long drive,
7. Check The Weather
Before setting out on the road, be sure to check the weather of the areas you’re going to be driving through around the times you’ll be driving through them. Doing so ahead of time can allow you to plan and adjust your route as needed. That way, you’re not stuck on an interstate in the middle of a blizzard or hurricane.
8. Maximize Fuel Economy
This is another one of those things that people may not immediately think about, but can be absolutely essential in helping you get the most out of your trip. Try calculating gas costs before heading out, and consider using driving techniques like slowly accelerating and maintaining a steady pace or driving with your windows closed to help minimize drag. Doing so can help you get the most out of your mileage and save money in the long run.
9. Have An Emergency Kit Available
Though not as exciting as planning your trip or making sure you have snacks and CDs available, having an emergency kit is one of the most important tips for a safe road trip.
Having first aid essentials on hand is important, along with a battery charger/jump pack, jumper cables, a flashlight, flares, candles, blanks, non-perishable foods, and water. While not an exhaustive list, having these essentials available can help you in most basic emergencies you may encounter on the road.
10. Most Importantly, Have Fun!
While most of this list reads almost like a cautious warning, it’s important to remember that these are just things to keep in mind before setting out. The most understated, yet one of the most important parts of your road trip, is to remember to have fun throughout! After all, taking a road trip can be stressful, especially when traveling with relatives or younger children, so having fun throughout the journey can help alleviate some of that stress and potential tension.
If you choose to get your perfect road trip automobile from an auto auction, trust the experts at SCA auto auction to help you get the exact car you need. They lead the North American insurance auto auction industry with an extensive selection of over 300,000 vehicles that are on offer at any of their 160 weekly online auto auctions.
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