How to Prepare For a Road Trip
How to Prepare For a Road Trip
Going on a road trip can be an exciting adventure. Whether you're going on vacation or traveling for business, there are several ways you can prepare for your trip before you leave. Proper preparation can make your trip even more enjoyable.
At Carlton Motorcars Inc., we want our customers to experience a great trip, especially when they have a long distance to travel. We've created a list to help you prepare, so keep reading to find out how to you can plan for a great road trip.
How to Prepare Your Car
1. Have a mechanic look over your car.
The first step you should take before you leave on your trip is to have your car checked by a mechanic. You'll have more confidence on your travels if your car has a multi-point inspection. Make sure that the mechanic also checks your brakes, especially if you're driving in the mountains or on winding roads.
2. Inspect your tires.
Another important thing to do when planning a road trip is to check the traction on your tires. If your tires are in good shape, your ride will be smoother on the interstate, and your car will have enough stopping power if you need to stop quickly. If you're uncertain about the condition of your tires, have them checked by your service department.
3. Don't overload your vehicle.
If you're traveling by yourself or with only one other passenger, you probably won't use up all the space in your car. But if you're going on a trip with several passengers, overloading might become a problem. Make sure that you can still see out of your rear view window and that nothing gets in the way your driving ability. In addition, make sure that your vehicle isn't too heavy. If your vehicle is weighed-down, it won't handle as well and will be slower on the road, which might be an issue on the interstate when you're changing lanes or merging.
How To Prepare Yourself
1. Charge your devices.
Make sure your phones and devices are charged before you leave on your trip. A phone's battery can drain quickly if it's constantly searching for signal, particularly if you're going through areas with spotty coverage. Data usage can also quickly drain a phone's battery.
2. Bring plenty of supplies.
It's important to pack extra supplies for the road in addition to your luggage. This could include emergency items like flashlights, extra water and extra jackets in cold weather. Always keep a first aid kit and tool kit in your vehicle, even if you're not driving far.
3. Bring snacks and coffee.
It's crucial to stay alert while driving. If you don't drink coffee, bring something else to help you stay awake. It's easy to doze off at the wheel, especially during long, uneventful drives, which is a danger to you, your passengers and other drivers. At the very least,make sure that you get plenty of sleep the night before a road trip.
4. Bring a GPS.
If you don't have a GPS, designate a passenger to navigate for you using their phone or a map. It's always a good idea to study a map before you take off in case your GPS loses signal or malfunctions. Even if you're a trailblazer who doesn't need the help of a GPS, it's a best to keep one on hand in case you happen to get lost.
5. Stay safe.
The most crucial thing to remember is that no destination is as important as the lives of you, your passengers or other drivers on the road. No text needs to be answered while you're driving, and no destination is worth speeding to. If you're a passenger, help keep whoever is driving accountable.
To learn more about how to prepare your vehicle for your next trip, or if want to have it checked before you leave, come see us at Carlton Motorcars Inc. in Greenville, SC, at 2446 Laurens Rd , Greenville, SC 29607. We look forward to serving our customers from Spartanburg, Anderson and the Upstate!