If you’re planning on taking a trip across the country this summer, or even simply traveling a couple states away, you should always make sure you’re road trip ready. Whether you’ll be traveling with someone or on your own, you should always make sure you’re prepared before you hit the highway.  Here are some helpful tips to remember before you start your journey!

Perform a thorough check of your vehicle

• Inspect all four tires as well as your spare.  Make sure they have the correct amount of air in them, that there’s a good amount of tread left on them if you’re driving a long distance and lastly check for any cracks or foreign objects in them.
• Open your hood (with the engine off and completely cooled) and visually inspect all of your hoses and belts.  If any of your hoses feel soft or too spongy, you may want to have a mechanic take a look and see if any need replacing.  While you’re under the hood, check all your fluid levels (oil, antifreeze, brake, power steering, transmission and windshield wiper fluids). 

This is also a great time to have your oil and filter changed as well as the windshield wipers replaced.

Insider tip: A few weeks prior to your trip, check for any leaks under your car in case you need a mechanic to perform work before you hit the road.

Make a checklist of important items

Although bringing along some of these things might seem like common sense, they are extremely crucial not only for your safety but in case of an emergency. 

• A fully charged cell phone with both car and wall chargers
• A first aid kid, especially if you’re traveling with children
• A few basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, wrench, wire cutters, pliers)
• Maps, directions or a GPS system

Solo safety

If you’re traveling alone, it’s especially important to put your safety first.  These are just a few basic rules of thumb, but are extremely crucial.

• Don’t stop at a rest area unless there is more than one vehicle present
• Avoid driving on isolated roads if possible
• Don’t stay anywhere at night unless it’s monitored by security
• Check in with a friend or loved one at least once a day, preferably at the end of each day, once you’re done traveling
• Pack extra clothes, food and water, a flashlight and blankets

Lastly, when planning your road trip, make sure you let someone know your plans, including where you’re headed, the estimated dates and times you’ll be there and when they should expect you home.

For more travel tips visit these Cars for Girls articles: 6 Ways to Stay Safe on the Side of The Road, Road Trip Tips for the Family, Don’t Leave Home Without It, 5 Tips for Hitting the Road with Your Pet, 51 Great Road Trip Tunes, Tips for Road Tripping on $150 a Day, and Traveling with Children: 5 Tips for Holiday Trips.

Tags: Advice, Automobile Safety, General, Road Trips, Travel // Add Comment »