6 Key Road Trip Tips

[Audrey Taylor]

It’s impossible to imagine the modern world without the cars. They’re the main transportation vehicle to millions of people around the world. A long time ago they were the main topic of science fiction novels foreseeing the future technological advancements. In those, the cars were flying and drivers were either robots or artificial intelligence. But they were not replaced and out of human lives but only improved.

Today’s cars are far from such advanced features, although there are efforts going that way. Scientists and engineers are focused on the use of more eco-friendly fuel in order to save the environment. But no matter what, cars are still the pillars of everyday life and help us get to our destinations.

However, cars are machines. They are made of pieces that give it energy and ability to move over almost any terrain. Also, cars are our shelters during the trip and without them, we would either travel for days or simply have to pay more for the plane, train or bus tickets. And that's why we prepared five things you must know when traveling by car.

1.     Check your car before the trip

Even if you perform regular maintenance, it’s wise to take the car to a mechanic to check if everything is in order for the trip. This is very important before a long trip or if you’re going far from home. Usually, the mechanic will check the oil, fuel filter, breaks, engine temperature, water cooler, and tires.

But if you should also inform them if you noticed anything suspicious. Sometimes something small can turn into a bigger problem on the road. People avoid resolving smaller issues because they don’t have the time or money to take care of them right away. 

For example, if your engine light is on and you don’t notice anything wrong with the car’s functioning, you will mostly leave it be. But this can mean anything and you might experience car trouble because of it. Especially if you drive on rough roads or during an extreme weather.

2.      Organise your travel details

Place the map in front of you and start planning your trip. Ask all the passengers what they’d like to see and check if it’s possible to see them all. You can also use some websites and apps to help you out, but doing it the old-fashioned way is more fun.

When you have your route mapped, mark the gas stations since without those you can’t travel far. See if the region is famous for something, like wine making or organic food. Sometimes there are tourist destinations like restaurants or tours you can apply for.

If you travel along the coast, mark not only the famous beaches but also those that are more remote and don't have too many visitors. If you plan to camp by the fire or at registered sites, bring your camping equipment, food, and water.

3.     Be a responsible driver

If you've never changed a tire, practice it at home. This is something everyone should know when driving and it's not hard to master. If more of you are traveling, switch as drivers after a certain amount of time. Don’t sit behind the wheel if you’re too tired to drive or feel sick. Also, avoid driving under alcohol and make sure that at least one of you is a designated driver if you visit the wineries.

If you’re uncomfortable with parking your car on the streets, use vehicle storage solutions. These are practical and affordable ways to prevent car theft or any damage. Make regular stops to eat, stretch and relax from the driving.

4.     Check your documents

Before you go on the trip, make sure that all your documents are in order. Drivers license and ID card are not something we check all the time and don’t expire fast. Also, check the car ownership documents and if you drive someone else’s car you may need their signed and notarized authorization. 

If you have a motor vehicle insurance, make sure that it’s valid and that it covers things like towing and repair on the road. Keep the car manual in the glove compartment just in case and check the registration details. All these documents will save you from any possible penalties by police, which can sometimes be pretty serious.

5.     Bring the essentials

Distilled water, windshield washing liquid, and oil are something you should have in reserve. The same applies to tools needed to change a tire and the first aid kit. However, it's also important to bring essentials like drinking water and food with you.

Buy a car refrigerator if you plan to carry types of food that easily spoil, like meat and fruits. Additionally, it would be great to have a cold beverage during the breaks and enjoying some gorgeous inland landscapes.

Lastly

If you own a car and never had a road trip, then you should plan one as soon as possible. It’s a wonderful way to bond and experience amazing things along the way. You can plan your own time and choose what to see and visit. This is not only a flexible way to travel but also gives you a complete control of your route. Make sure that all these basics are covered and have a wonderful time exploring the road ahead.