School is out soon and summer is right around the corner! For many families and individuals this means it’s time for a road trip. Families may need to head home for the big family reunion. Or this is the summer you’re finally going to take that trek to the beach! Some like to take that great cross-country American drive to sightsee. Whether it’s a quick 3 day weekend, a week-long trip, or a multi week expedition, a road trip can be fun and life changing. It’s important to take the necessary steps so you can make this road trip a success.
Today we’re sharing the road trip checklist that will help you have a safe, happy, and fun road trip no matter where your journey takes you!
- Plan, Plan, Plan. The first step to any great road trip is to know where you’re actually going, and what you want to see along the way. Think about restaurants, pit stops, attractions and site seeing, hotels, and more. Make sure to add in some cushion time whenever possible - it’s better to end up with free time than to miss things you want to do!
- Oil Change & Tune Up. The fastest way to ruin a road trip is to have your car break down or experience trouble en route to your destination. Take your car to a trusted auto body tune & lube shop to prevent this. Ask for an oil change, have them top off all your fluids and check for engine complications.
- Clean Out Your Car. You want to pack smart if you’re heading out on a road trip, so get all the junk out first. Throw away trash and take out seasonal needs like ice scrapers and gloves.
- Invest in Fuel Additives. A fuel additive can save you tons of money on a long road trip by helping you fill up less frequently. Fuel additives help your engine run more cleanly, use less gasoline, and improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
- Stock Up. Make sure you have plenty of snacks, of course. But also make sure your car has some essentials, like drinking water, toilet paper, jumper cables, a first aid kit, and flares. Just in case!
- Stay entertained. A long road trip can be boring, especially if everyone just sleeps or plugs in headphones. Instead, make a great playlist of timeless classics, download an audiobook, or subscribe to a great podcast that can make the drive go faster and bring the participants together in discussion.
Taking a road trip is a great way to experience new places and spend time with those you love. Just be sure to take care of your car first so the trip can go as smoothly as possible. Happy trails!