Road trips are often remembered for years. There’s a saying that says that it’s not about the destination, but about the journey, and road trips are the perfect way to live out that philosophy. The time out on the road is perfect for getting to know your mates in the vehicle with you, to listen to your favourite music, and to discover new sites on the way to your final destination.
Road trips are also a place where some bad things can happen, however. You could have a blowout, or your vehicle could break down completely. You could even hit a wild animal making your vehicle completely immobilized.
All of these events could ruin your trip, or worse yet could leave you or your friends hurt. How can you prepare to make sure that you not only enjoy your road trip, but do so safely and responsibly?
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is in Shape
The most important thing you can do before embarking on your trip is to check out the vehicle you’ll be driving to make sure it’s in shape and ready for the trip.
Check your tires for defects. Make sure that you have plenty of treadavailable and make sure there is no damage to the walls of the tires. It’s also a great idea to check the tire pressure and make sure that all of them have the appropriate levels. This can also save you money on fuel.
Next, you should check your fluid levels. Make sure that your engine and transmission are filled with engine oil and transmission fluid up to the appropriate levels. If you haven’t had a change in a while, it’s probably a good idea to do that.
You should also check your brakes. Do the brake pads need to be replaced?
Last, make sure that all of your lights are working. If you feel you could use some professional help, it might be a good idea to have your vehicle inspected before you leave for your road trip.
Have Multiple Drivers
Many road trips mean spending dozens of hours out on the road. Most of the time, those on the trips try to tackle as much of the driving in one day as they possibly can. Be careful not to drive when you’re not feeling alert, however. If you’re feeling tired, it’s best to switch off to another driver. Drowsy driving leads to a lot of terrible accidents every year. If everyone is too tired, stop for a break and take a nap.
Don’t rely on caffeine to keep you going, either. While drinks like coffee, tea, and soda can make you more alert temporarily, they are not a replacement for sleep.
Pack Appropriate Safety Items
If something does happen that leaves you stranded, you don’t want to be stuck without a number of very important items.
Make sure to bring water, food, blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, the appropriate tools to change your tire, a spare tire, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger.
If there’s a way to sign up for roadside assistance with your insurance company or another company out there, it would be wise to do so before your trip.
If you plan on taking your trip in an RV, motorhome hire in Australia by Salamanda Travel can set you up with everything that you need. Of course, they will make sure that the vehicle is in excellent condition before renting it out.