Summer road trip checklist
There are few feelings better than hitting the open road in the summertime. No two road trips are the same but each one can become a special memory for you and your fellow adventurers. A safe and successful road trip requires both you and your vehicle to be well-prepared and road ready. Here are some tips for your next great adventure.
The drive is alive with the sound of music
Nothing beats an open highway and some good tunes. Below is a playlist of the best road trip songs suggested by the Wyant Group:
Falling Water by Maggie Rogers
Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane
The Funeral by The Band of Horses
Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
Highway to the Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins
Keep the Car Running by Arcade Fire
Katchi by Ofenbach and Nick Waterhous
Running on Empty by Jackson Browne
Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen
Be prepared
Your vehicle should be outfitted with an emergency kit at all times particularly on a lengthy journey. Here are some essentials that will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on enjoying your trip.
First aid kit
Flashlight
Cellphone charger
Jumper cables
Candles and matches
Water
Lug nut wrench
Jack
Don’t overpack
Always be strategic when packing your vehicle. Overloading the trunk and carrying extra equipment in a roof carrier can put serious strain on your tires and suspension. To ensure you’re within the recommended guidelines, check the owner’s manual or door jamb to find out your vehicle’s maximum load capacity. It’s also important to keep in mind that by stuffing your vehicle you increase the chance of damaging your interior while decreasing your fuel economy.
In the mood for food
Image source: www.wholefully.com
As you are strategizing about what to pack in your vehicle, you need to consider: “What do I really need?” The answer is snacks. You can use frozen water bottles as ice packs but try to stay away from anything that melts quickly or becomes indigestible in the heat, like chocolate or cheese. Below is a list of healthy, easy snacks to keep your mind on the road and off your stomach.
Snap peas
Baby carrots
Shelled salted peanuts
Pepperoni sticks
Granola bars
Beef jerky
Grapes
Muffins
Maintenance checklist
Enjoying your road trip to the fullest is easiest when you can trust that your vehicle is operating at its highest potential.
Check your lights
Headlights can get oxidised over time which means rinsing them with water is not enough. Use a standard glass cleaner applied with newspaper. Another more unconventional but effective alternative is toothpaste!
Check the wiper blades
Driving with shoddy wiper blades makes even the smallest amount of rain a huge inconvenience. Don’t miss out on any views on your road trip and make sure to double check your wiper blades and replace them if they are not operating at their best.
Check tires
To ensure your tires are always performing at their best you should always be aware of tire pressure, tread and balance. Take the time to fill your tires to the ideal tire pressure inscribed on the sidewall of your tire. A fast way to check your tread is by putting your money where your tires are. Insert a nickel into your tread with Queen Elizabeth’s crown facing down. If you can see the top of the Queen’s crown, your tire needs to be replaced. If you don’t remember the last time you got your wheels aligned or your tires balanced, it is a good idea to book an appointment soon with your dealership as they both should be verified every 15,000 km by service professionals.
Check fluids
The essential functions of your vehicle are made possible by the fluids coursing through it at every moment which makes maintaining fluid levels absolutely imperative. This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid.
Check your air conditioning system
Traveling extended periods of time in a hot vehicle with no air conditioning is a great idea if your destination is heat stroke. Take a minute for your sanity’s sake and ensure the A/C is working correctly.
Check Battery
During a recent AAA survey, it found that two-thirds of car owners have never had their batteries tested. Do not leave for an extended road trip without knowing the status of your battery. Check the voltage yourself, fully charged automotive batteries should measure at 12.6 volts or above, or visit your dealership before for a quick battery test.
The keys to your vehicle are also the keys to unlocking the full potential of summer. Your vehicle is your bridge to everywhere and with these tips, you are free to focus on making memories on the road.
