We’ve all been stuck in the same boring place for months. Dreaming of scenes we’d like to view, experiences we’d like to take. All of which are not here, where you are right now. Your feet are itching to take on that open highway towards that adventure you’ve been aching to take. In short, you need to take a road trip.
Now, that’s settled, what should you do to get ready? Obviously, you’ll need to set your destination, prepare your things, look for places to stay and visit, etc. But those are not the only things you need to do. To ensure that you enjoy your open road adventure from beginning until the end, you need to make sure that your vehicle is in good running condition. It’s bad enough when you get car trouble where you live. But while you’re on a vacation, around a hundred miles from home? That’s not enjoyable at all. In fact, it sounds a lot like a plot for a horror movie. Or a romance novel, depends on your perspective.
So, how do you prevent yourself being stranded in the middle of nowhere during your grand adventure? Below is a checklist that should prepare your car for that long drive.
Road trip Checklist:
- Get an oil and filter change. If you don’t know how to do it, look for a reputable auto body shop in Los Angeles or in whatever city/town you are located and have them do it for you.
- Check your tires. Make sure that they are all properly inflated. The tread should not be worn. Don’t forget to make sure you have a spare in the trunk for emergencies.
- Check the fluids – coolant, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Make sure that there’s enough fuel in the tank.
- Make sure that your windshield is clean and that the wipers are operating correctly.
- Make sure that all your lights and indicators are working properly.
- Change your air filter if necessary. Clogged air filters can impact the performance of your engine, not to mention the air quality inside your car.
- Check your temperature gauge and make sure that it’s working correctly.
- Inspect the belt and hoses underneath the hood. Press down on the belts to ensure they’re still tight with very little slack. The hoses should have no leaks.
- Check the brake pads. If you hear a screeching sound every time you step on your brakes, it might be time to replace them.
- Change the sparkplugs.
- Clean your car inside and out. It’s not going to be a fun trip if your car is smelly or grimy, or both. Clean the trunk to make room for your luggage. Wash the exterior of your car as well. Any bugs or bird poop stuck on it can damage your paint.
- Don’t forget to organize your stuff inside the car to make it easier to find anything you might need while on the road. Also, place a designated trash bag to keep your car clean throughout your trip.
Car Survival Kit:
Once you’ve assured yourself that your vehicle is in tip-top shape, ready for the open highways, you need to put your focus on packing a car survival kit. Things you’ll need if you ever find yourself in a roadside emergency. Here are some items that you’ll need in your kit:
- flashlight
- duct tape
- first aid kit
- water bottles
- jumper cables (or a portable jump starter)
- RV batteries
- blanket
- a car escape tool
- charging cable
- chain or thick towing rope
- Bungee cords
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Jack
- wrench
- Socket set
- Suitable fuses
- road flares
- Owner’s manual
- Road maps
Last minute check
You’ve packed your essentials, planned your trip minute by minute, and made sure your car was in good working condition. Is there anything else missing from this checklist before you hit the road, Jack? Yes, there is. Make sure that your car insurance is up-to-date and you’re covered wherever you are going.
A road trip can become an adventure of a lifetime even if it’s just a drive to the next state over. It’s not always about the destination, but the journey you take to get there. So, make sure that your ride is as safe and as enjoyable as possible by just following this simple checklist.
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