Road Trip Rendezvous
- Heather L. Lee
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Summer days are here, full of freedom, sunshine, and adventure. And nothing declares freedom quite as loudly as a road trip! No airport security or shocking ticket prices to deal with. Just the open road and some good tunes. Festival season is upon us. National parks beckon. The Corn Palace is open!
But nothing puts a damper on a good time faster than a break down hundreds of miles away from your trusted mechanic. Being prepared isn’t just for Boy Scouts. Here are some great ways to avoid being stranded on the side of the road.
Vehicle Inspection
Get your vehicle checked over before you leave to make sure everything is topped off and in good working order.
Oil Change
Tires and Tire Pressure (don’t forget the spare tire!)
Brakes
Battery
Windshield Wipers
Air Conditioning
Belts and Hoses
Air Filters
Vehicle Lights
Top off Fluids
This is a great time to find out if your automotive repair shop offers any type of nationwide warranty in case of a problem. Programs like TechNet offer roadside assistance across North America.
Clean Your Car
Starting with a clean vehicle helps make it easier to find those necessities that you packed and ensures that your windshield, mirrors, and headlights can provide clear visibility.
Pack the Essentials
Yes, your favorite snacks are a priority, but don’t forget the other important stuff.
Emergency roadside kit (jumper cables, flares, collapsible shovel, triangle, tire repair kit)
Spare tire with tire iron and jack
Printed maps or offline GPS
First aid kit
Antibacterial wipes
Flashlight with spare batteries
Power bank and charging cables for phone, GPS, etc.
Sunglasses
Cooler for drinks and snacks
Paper towels and basic cleaning supplies to clean windshield or accidental Mountain Dew spill
Garbage bag
Fire extinguisher
Spare key to keep in your purse/wallet incase you lock your keys in the car.
Owner’s manual
A tool kit with pliers, screwdrivers, and hammer- just in case
Road Trip Tips
Fill your gas tank when it reaches half empty. Running out of fuel on an empty road will ruin an otherwise lovely day.
Stay hydrated and take breaks. Getting out of the car to walk around every couple of hours will not only reduce your risk of developing a blood clot in your leg but will allow you to enjoy the scenery.
Put sunscreen on. A sunburn on one arm is not a good look. Neither is sun damage.
Stop when you get tired. Pull over for a short nap or check in to a hotel.
Make sure someone not traveling with you knows your itinerary and timeline. Check in regularly.
Keep an eye on the weather report. Snow, heavy rain, and high temps can all affect your trip.
Give trucks their space. No reason to distract the driver.
Depending on where you are driving, pack extra clothes, a blanket, matches, even a tent in case of emergency.
Being prepared for a road trip will give you the peace of mind to enjoy every minute. And if you find a roadside attraction better than the Corn Palace, let us know!
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