School is out for the summer! It’s traditionally a time for fun family vacations to explore the country. Depending on the size of your family and vehicle, the most economical transportation is often by automobile. Below are some tips to help your trip or your daily commute be safer and more pleasurable.
Have Emergency Supplies
You don’t want to pack up the entire house, but it’s safe to have a phone charger, flashlight, a light blanket, a light jacket for everyone, and a reflective safety marker to place behind the car during emergencies. There are many pre-made kits; they include tools, safety items, first aid kits and more discussed below. Don’t leave safety to chance and don’t waste vacation time on repairs.
Inspect the Car
It’s ideal to take the auto to a dealer for a full inspection and tune-up by a professional mechanic. Modern cars require periodic firmware updates – particularly proprietary GPS systems. It’s best to have up-to-date technology before starting a long trek - especially if you don’t have paper maps.
At the least, ensure all fluid levels for oil, engine coolant, brakes, power steering and windshield wipers are topped off. Look at all the belts and hoses for cracks, leaks and wear. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and a tight connection. Check the windshield and the wipers for cracks and other damage. Carefully check the battery fluid levels if you know how.
Ensure the air conditioning and heater work properly. It’s vital to be comfortable and clear headed while traveling. Summertime can get extremely hot in southern states while nights can stay cool longer in the northern states. Both extremes can influence judgment; prepare accordingly.
Rotate and Balance Tires
Tires wear unevenly. Regular rotation and balancing increases operational use and ensures safe travels. Tires can be rotated at home but leave balancing to tire professionals. This is a great time to check tread depth. Place a quarter or penny in the tire groove with the president’s head facing down. If the top of his head is above the “rib” (tread surface), it’s time to get new tires. Check each tire and check across each tire for uneven wear.
Remember to check the spare too. It needs to have proper inflation, good tread depth and be free of cracks and other wear. Ensure you have all the tools to change a tire if needed. You’ll need a jack with a handle, lug wrench and pressure gauge. Some autos have locking lug bolts – ensure you have the specialized “keys” to remove them.
Have Snacks & Water
Snacks are the best part of the road trip! Allocate a specific dollar amount for “road trip snacks.” Some folks love salty food while others prefer sweet. Try to select items that are still edible if left in the car overnight. Granola, trail mix, jerky, chips, dried fruits and most hard candies pass this test.
Avoid chocolate because it has a low melt temperature. Avoid foods with mayonnaise because they can easily spoil without refrigeration. If you aren’t sure what to take, visit the closest Buc-ee’s and follow your nose.
In addition to plenty of bottled water, take a full gallon of water because your car may need a drink too. Refill water bottles whenever possible during travels. Many states have Welcome Centers, which are a great place to take a break and get fresh water. Bring a soft pillow for any passengers to take naps.
Check the First Aid Kit
Check the age of the First Aid Kit. They can become ineffective and could introduce additional problems when expired. Ensure there are enough supplies in the kit. Some wipes or bandages may have been used and need to be replaced or updated.
Keep two days of important medicines or over-the-counter remedies in a separate air-tight container inside the car cabin. It’s a backup plan if something happens to the medicines or luggage. Remove these from the car after the road trip.
Have an Auto Tool Kit
Jumper cables are a must-have item in any gasoline-powered auto. A basic auto tool kit will have a variety of screwdrivers, wrenches, a ratchet, sockets, pliers, wire cutters, electrical tape, adapters, and more. Even if you don’t know how to use the tools, someone may offer to help and will need those tools.
Consider a tow cable or strap; they are compact and handy for several uses in an emergency. Also have a pair of heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands while working on a hot engine or tire. A combination jump starter / air compressor / flashlight is good insurance against problems.
Enjoy your happy travels, make memories, take lots of photos, visit roadside attractions and return home safely!
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I’ve Got Your Six!
Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
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