Safety Checklist Before Going On A Long Road Trip
Words by Allen Brown
Road trips have become the most preferred means of travel, given the rising cost of airfares. Despite driving in snowy winter or the hot summer weather, the scenery makes up for the long drive and provides some alone time for self-reflection, that is if you're driving alone. It makes for a great company and chatting environment if you are in a team. Summer and winter road trips are as American as the Fourth of July fireworks and apple pie. It would be a shame to fail in your duty to hit the road this winter season just because your car is overdue for service or haven't committed to memory a mental checklist of what you need for your long trip. This article prepares you in advance to ensure that your travel experience is worthwhile. Read on.
Stock up The Car
You must stock up the car with the Basics such as drinking water (for washing and cleaning up messes and refilling the engine), Shovels for the winter period, jumper cables, flashlight, among others. It will ensure that you don't suffer the small headaches associated with travels, and one can easily find their way out of any travel mishaps.
Using The Right Child Car Seat
For those planning to make trips with younger ones, they must use the appropriate car seat for their young ones. For most couples, it's tempting to move older children up a lighter and easier to use car seats and create room for the younger ones. Take note that car seats and boosters do a lot to protect the younger ones from fender benders and massive crashes. Boosters can give shorter children the much-needed height acting as an anti-boredom and during cases of car sickness. It also prevents the unpleasant feeling of tagging on the safety belt that rubs across their neck rather than comfortably cutting across their shoulders.
Knowing The Status of Your Car
Before hitting the road, it is crucial to know when your car is due for servicing. Adhering to the service dates prevents major defects and ensures your vehicle is in tip top shape. Check your manual for the next engine oil change. If the date is near, you're better off changing it rather than exposing the crankcase of the car to the gunky old oil.
Below are some of the essential car care tips to adhere to ensure that you experience a seamless driving experience.
Tire Type And Tread
Before hitting the road, it's always important to determine the type of tires that would suit the terrain for your target destination. For instance, a rugged terrain would suitably get conquered by fitting the Mickey Thomson Deegan 38, an all-terrain type of tire from Fox Shocks. Further, depending on your destination, the type of tread will also matter. A milder, softer, and less intense tread will be an excellent fit for if you are setting out for an urban destination. Alternatively, a stronger tread is perfect for off-roading purposes and would be an excellent fit for your SUV.
Shocks
Your shocks should be in good condition, particularly when heading out to a rough terrain. Worn out shocks would lead to uncomfortable bumpy rides and further increase damage to the internals of the car. Having worn out shocks leads to uneven tire wear and causes less contact with the road through bouncing on the road surface, which may prove to be detrimental.
Braking system
Use the recommended brake fluids, mainly DOT 3 or 4. Check the brake reservoir for the brake fluid levels and ensure they get filled to the recommended levels. Ensure that your brake linings are sufficient working and not worn out.
Other minor tips such as checking the battery levels, lighting functionality, among others, sure goes a long way in having a fruitful and enjoyable trip.
Route plan
Before stepping on the gas, ensure that prior arrangements have been made in mapping out the most efficient route to follow. Factors such as traffic build-up and weather are important factors to note. Keep your eyes and ears open with regards to local news and events happening around your target destination and consider how they may affect your journey. Erratic weather conditions such as wildfires and floods may necessitate a route change.
Rest Stops
Fatigue is among the leading causes of accidents along the road. By mapping out your route plan, also ensure that you map out the various rest points along the way. It is quite helpful, particularly when traveling alone. However, if you have a co-driver, taking turns at the wheel would suffice.
Taking adequate preventive measures and having a safety checklist of what to do and carry goes a long way in promoting a safe and joyful road experience. Not adhering to such a list only begs one to be stranded. Take note that such checklists are bound to change based on individual preferences, though most of the requirements are conventional.
Happy driving, folks!