The beginning of spring marks an end to the dreary days of winter. The warm weather and radiant sunshine makes it the perfect time of year to take a road trip.
- Taking a Road TripMarcin Wichary / Foter.com / CC BY
Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind while planning your road trip this spring:
Take Care of Car Maintenance Issues BeforehandÂ
You will want to make sure that your oil changes are up-to-date before embarking upon a road trip. You should also have your brakes inspected. It is also a good idea to make sure that your headlights, taillights and blinkers are still working properly. You may even want to have your tires inspected to make sure that they are still durable enough to handle the trip.
Gas Up!Â
Although it may seem like a given, it is important to make sure that you always have sufficient fuel levels while driving. This is especially important if you are driving through areas where there are no nearby gas stations. A good rule of thumb is to not let the gas tank get any lower than a quarter of a tank.
Avoid Road RageÂ
Even though bad drivers and slow traffic can be frustrating, you should always keep your cool when you are behind the wheel. Speeding, swerving in and out of traffic and tailgating other cars often leads to car accidents. If you are a guy, it may be best to let a woman drive if you are bringing a female companion along on the trip. Kanetix has an article pointing out why women are often better drivers and can do a better job at keeping their cool while behind the wheel.
Stay ConnectedÂ
You should always make sure that your cell phone has enough power to make calls in the event of an emergency. It is also best to notify friends and family of your whereabouts. Bringing a laptop computer with a wireless connection or another mobile device can also keep you connected.
Bring Necessary ItemsÂ
In addition to your clothes, toiletries and other personal items, it is important to keep items in your vehicle that might come in handy if you find yourself in an emergency situation. A spare tire should be kept in the trunk in case you blow out a tire while driving. You should also bring along an emergency kit containing items such as a flashlight, extra blankets and first aid supplies. It might also be a good idea to bring along a map if your cell phone or mobile devices are not equipped with mapping capabilities.
Plan Bathroom BreaksÂ
Bathrooms are sometimes far and few in between if you are driving in a rural area. It is important to know where rest stops and other public restroom facilities are beforehand so that you can avoid any unexpected accidents.
Pack SnacksÂ
It is a good idea to keep snacks in your vehicle just in case you or your fellow passengers get an attack of the munchies. Bringing snacks along can also save you the time and expense of having to stop off at a restaurant.
Keeping the aforementioned tips in mind when planning your road trip can make your journey a more pleasant experience.
