Even with the price of gas, the road trip remains a viable and relatively inexpensive vaction option for a lot of people. But prior to embarking on your adventure, it is best to have the car prepared so you need not come back for forgotten supplies or buy them on the road at vastly elevated prices. Begin with simple car maintenance. It is best to take your car in for a checkup so that the tires are properly inflated and the fluid levels are adequate. To avoid a possible and costly breakdown on the road, buy another battery if yours is over three years old. Always keep a spare tire and jack on hand to repair a possible flat. In case of overheating, be certain to have a jug of water on hand along with a quart of oil. An emergency kit equipped with flares, road blocks (these come in handy in the event of breakdown because they keep people from hitting you on the side of the road), and antenna and window displays to help signal for assistance. A cramped and dirty interior can make for grumpy passengers, so check the inside of the car before leaving and make sure it is clean and stocked with a trash bag to help eliminate waste that inevitably accumulates on any trip. Do not even throw the vehicle in gear before being certain that you have proof of insurance, vehicle registration, the owner's manual, and of course your driver's licence with you when departing. Road trips always seem to have their fair share of minor cuts and scrapes, headaches, and irritating bug bites so it is a good idea to bring along a First Aid kit. The back seat needs to be free of clutter so that the passengers have plenty of legroom. It is also adviseable to ask people to bring along CD players and portable game systems so they have something to alleviate the inevitable boredom that can overtake you on a road trip. Even if you are departing in the middle of July, bring along a blanket because should someone become seriously injured on the trip, he or she will go into shock and need to stay warm. Also, remember the drinking water, some snacks like peanuts or perhaps some dried fruit, and sunglasses to ward off glare. Be sure to keep these things out of the passenger's path so they are not lost or worse, broken. Finally, bring a handful of quarters for tollbooths or other highway costs. Moist towelettes make a welcome addition to ward off sticky fingers or to absorb sudden spills. Headphones and batteries for the music or game devices will probably be appreciated. Don't forget a map or road plan as well as a telephone book or list of numbers that you will want to call when you arrive, such as the motel, tourist sites, etc. Brendon Carmichael is the major driving force for his informative website at Fxy Car His site informs and educates about cars. If you're thinking about a car then learn more at: https://www.fxycar.com |
||