Are you planning on hopping in the car and hitting the road this summer with the family? Taking a holiday road trip is a great way to spend some quality time together and get off the beaten path. Yet the last thing you want to spoil your vacation is a breakdown miles from any service station! And, although it’s less dramatic, a car that’s not in tip top shape will also cost you extra money in fuel.
As you start creating road trip playlists, stocking up on portable snacks, and packing your kids’ backpacks with special toys, think about getting your car ready for the journey as well.
Choose a car that’s up for the challenge.
To get started, you’ll need to make sure that your car provides the right blend of size, cargo space, and safety features to weather a long journey. A reliable family sedan is always a good fit, but if you are taking bulky outdoor equipment you might want to upgrade to a compact SUV or minivan. It can be cost-effective to rent a larger car for the trip in comparison to flying. Take a look at listings and review sites like Carsales to get a feel for the best cars for family road trips. These should combine backseat space, a high safety rating, and decent fuel economy.
Take the car in for a safety inspection.
If you’re driving your day-to-day car, protect your family by letting a mechanic perform a full safety inspection first. This should be performed one or two weeks before you depart, so that there’s enough time to conduct repairs if needed. A thorough safety inspection should look at all areas of the car, from tires to brakes. Top up fluids, including transmission fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, and oil. It’s also a good idea to buy some extra bottles of these fluids and keep them in the cargo area just in case. The mechanic will ensure that your car’s battery and cables are secure and corrosion-free, and that brakes are at least 50 percent. If they are lower, it’s a good idea to change them. If tires are worn down or have uneven tread wear, they may need to be rotated or replaced. Finally, take a look at your car’s lights, including turn signals, brakes, taillights and headlights.
Stock up on spares and supplies.
With your car in good shape for the road, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll need for the journey. Although your car should theoretically be road-ready, you still want to be prepared for the worst. Bring along a roadside emergency kit including first aid supplies, blankets, a flashlight, and extra food and water. You’ll want to keep a copy of your car’s insurance and warranty in the glove box, along with any contact information for emergency car repair or towing services. Don’t forget a spare set of keys!
A little bit of preparation can go a long way when you’re getting ready for a long distance road trip. By focusing on preparing your car, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the bonding time with your kids.
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