Traveling season is upon us. Everyone is taking planes, trains, and automobiles to make it home for the holidays, or maybe they’re trying to get as far from home as possible on a relaxing vacation. Either way, traveling by car is by far the most affordable since gas prices have dropped significantly. Here are things you may want to check before hitting that open highway. We don’t want your trip to turn in to a National Lampoon’s Vacation situation.
Make sure your car has plenty of charging cord for cell phones. Nothing is worse than being broken down on the roadside and having a dead cellular device and a cord with a shortage. Take plenty of cords and battery packs with you to avoid disaster.
You know when you’re driving along and it starts raining and you then realize that your windshield wipers are in shreds and you can’t se a thing? Don’t let that happen to you while traveling. Get some new wipers if your haven’t changed them in a while just to be on the safe side. They are a cheap and easy fix that can save you the stress later.
Underinflated tires can cause damage and unsafe breaking. Keep a tire pressure gauge and check them before take off.
Top off your windshield wiper fluid. Bugs, dust and salty moisture can create a film on your glass quickly. Enough fluid will allow you to be able to see to your destination.
Check all your lights to make sure they are working properly. The headlights, signal lights, flashers, and low beam should all be in premium condition for a safe trip.
Keep a set of jumper cables in the trunk. These are a lifesaver for a quick start. You won’t be sorry you invested in a pair. My grandma got a pair for me when I was a teenager and I didn’t appreciate it then, but now I sure do!
Invest in a roadside assistance service. I don’t know what I would do without mine, personally. Every penny I’ve spent on it was well worth it and has saved me hundreds in the long run on tow trucks alone.
Get an oil change. I took a road trip to Colorado this year with my husband and while we were there I suddenly remembered I haven’t had an oil change in a while. I pulled in to an auto shop where we checked the oil and sure enough there was barely anything on the dipstick. We had to put in four quarts because it was dangerously low. Learn from my mistakes and be a better road tripper.
If any of these things are not in order or you don’t think that they are up to standard then consider renting a car. It is an easy but still affordable option if you just don’t know if your high mileage well worn car is going to make the cut.
Last thing is to have a great time and enjoy the scenery. Road trips can be a blast with good music and good company. Happy Holidays.
