5 Things to Remember When Road Tripping
A road trip across the state or country lines is a trip of a lifetime that we should all take at some point in our lives. There’s no better feeling than rolling your window down, pumping up the music, and feeling the freedom that the wide-open roads give you.
Wherever you decide to road trip to and for however long, it’s crucial to remember that your car is essentially your hotel on wheels. Therefore, there are a number of things that you should prepare in advance to keep your car in tip-top shape while you are on your adventure in order to keep your car a safe haven during your travels.
Below are some examples of the things you should consider when preparing your vehicle for a road trip. By ensuring you have these things in order, you’ll avoid damaging your day if your car lets you down on your journey.
Car Insurance
First and foremost, before hitting the road, you should make sure that you’re adequately insured on the vehicle you’re driving.
Check the local laws of the places you’re traveling through. Remember, just because the location you set off from has one set of rules, it doesn’t mean that all of the states or borders you cross hold the same laws, and you want to be within the law at all times as you travel. This Calgary car insurance broker emphasizes that this mandatory part of the law in Canada applies to locals and anyone passing through.
Furthermore, a road trip means you’re increasing your chances of an accident because you’re spending a considerable amount of time driving. You may become tired, or your car may be packed so high with belonging that your blindspots are trickier to keep an eye on.
Be smart, be insured!
Spare Tire
Getting a flat on your road trip can waste a good part of the day to rectify it, especially if you don’t carry a spare tire. In some countries, it’s the law to always carry a spare, so be mindful of that if you don’t have one before setting off.
A spare tire is no good if you don’t know how to change it! There are plenty of videos on youtube and other places online with walkthroughs to prepare you for this situation.
Do a little research and be prepared!
Emergency Repair Kit
In addition to a spare tire, you should prepare and carry an emergency repair kit. This doesn’t have to be something that takes up too much of your vital space. Jumper cables and rope may be all you need to get you on your way again.
You can get your hands on an emergency roadside repair kit in many big auto garages or from the internet. The kits are already made up of all the equipment and tools if you find yourself stranded on the highway.
Sunshade
One of the things that many drivers often forget when heading out on a road trip is a sunshade. There’s nothing worse than attempting to drive with your arms at the wheel baking in the sun, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Grab yourself some inexpensive sunscreens that clip onto the inside of your car to give you and your passengers some much-needed relief from the sun’s rays and keep your car a little cooler.
Gas Can
For the more adventurous road trippers, a gas can is essential. Those long and deserted roads, although scenic and relaxing, can also spell disaster if you haven’t timed your gas fills correctly. This is very easy to do if you don’t know the area! An empty gas can is a savior if you break down, or it can be filled and stored in anticipation of a long drive ahead.
Let the Road Take Away Your Worries
There’s something therapeutic about a road trip that’ll see your worries slipping away as you meander through the countryside, desert, or unknown town. When you’re behind the wheel, you can go wherever the road takes you!
Be prepared for any eventuality so that a little car trouble doesn’t see your trip ruined.