Surely a thrill ride for someone setting out on a journey, road trips are supposed to be. But make sure that the vehicle is up for any emergencies or breakdowns before actually leaving for a trip.
Being prepared is not only an act of consideration for safety but contributes a lot to the pleasure of the trip itself. Let us now shed some light on some car preparations for the road trip.
Before embarking on any long trip, it is a must for the automobile to be checked thoroughly about its working condition.
The first step is to check the fluid levels, including Cools, brake fluids, gear oils, and engine oil. Secondly, check that all lights such as indicators, brake lights, and headlights are functioning.
Check Your Brakes to Prepare Your Car for Road Trip
Good brakes are paramount to safety. Have a professional examine your brake pads and rotors, along with brake fluid, if you hear anything unusual, or if the last time you had them checked seems like a long time ago.
Check Your Car Tires Before Trip
Properly inflated and maintained tires are another aspect of road safety. Before leaving, make sure tire pressure checks, including the spare, meet the manufacturer's specifications. Also, look for any signs of damage or uneven wear on the tread.
Check Your Wiper Blades
Clear visibility is integral to safe driving. If your wiper blades are smearing or fail to wipe the windscreen satisfactorily, it's worth getting them replaced before you head out. A few tips below will help you drive in the rain.
Pack An Emergency Kit
Anything can happen, and you must always be prepared an emergency kit has some essentials: such as first aid kits, jumper cables, a flashlight, a tire repair kit, and some simple tools. It's good to include a blanket and some food items in case of breakdowns, where you'd need to wait for help or a tow. Also, make sure to carry all the paperwork with you, driver's license, insurance documents, and car registration.
A successful road trip has its genesis in a prepared car. Getting your automobile fine-tuned ensures a safer, more dependable, and enjoyable road trip. Remember, a little preparation will go a long way toward ensuring a scenic road trip without any hassles.
Road Trip Accessories and Gadgets You Can't Do Without
These accessories will enhance your road trip experience and prepare you for any eminent contingencies. Just in case you encounter low tire pressure while on the road, a portable car tire inflator will work wonders to pump them up.
- First Aid Kit: An adequately equipped first-aid kit is essential for every road trip, especially out in remote areas.
- Phone Mount and Car Charger: Charging your gadgets is critical, especially if you depend on GPS for navigation.
- Emergency Toolbox: A small toolbox with essentials such as pliers, screwdrivers, and a torch should be kept handy.
- Car Cooler: A portable cooler is helpful to keep your food and drinks fresh, especially in hotter months.
- Sunshades and Seat Covers: Use sunshades to protect your vehicle and yourself from the harsh sun.
- GPS and Maps: Most smartphones come with GPS, but depending on the area's connectivity situation, it is always better to have a physical map handy.
Google Maps: Road Trip Aid
Use mobile apps and technology while planning a road trip as they are available to all of us. Certainly, one of the suitable apps for the drivers for that is Google Maps. Google Maps must be on your phone keeping in mind the larger picture of your destination. Google Maps will allow you to put in all locations of interest and calculate your travel time.
The weighing map will determine where will be the longest route from the shortest or the easiest from the hardest route. You can also add some destinations on Google Maps along your route that you may want to squeeze in on your road trip. Google Maps should also be able to assist you with finding cool restaurants, interesting sites, or the perfect picture spots. Always sketch out a minimum route from your designated starting point up to your destination. In addition, a printed map of the road trip can be kept handy for your destination.
Get Your Car Checked Before Starting a Road Trip
As mentioned above, you should get car maintenance from a reputable mechanic before setting off on the trip preferably a week before. Considering the long distance of the road trip, the mechanic should carry out in-depth inspections of all aspects of the car such as the engine, brakes, tires, fluid levels, or anything else that needs to be checked.
Have Another Driver With You
Make sure, when you prepare for the road trip, that everyone in the group is an experienced driver with a current UAE driver's license. Taking turns by multiple drivers is very much necessary in this journey.
In case a driver is hired for the trip, also prep to take the wheel in case you are needed.
It's a no-brainer to pack up a tote bag, sunglasses, sunscreen, flashlights, USB cable, universal adapter, toilet paper (an absolute essential), and other travel necessities that you can probably think of Google. If you are not going to be flying, it further makes sense to just throw all these items into one bag.
Road trips are exhilarating while planning one is even better. A good road trip does not always come according to plan. Embrace the worst or the best that life throws at you, as that's usually when the strongest memories are formed. Also, go through these driving tips to keep your road travels less stressful. For more details keep visiting the Fix Any Car blog regularly.