How to prepare your vehicle for a road trip
Are you planning a multi-day road trip? Whether you’re going on a solo drive, a group adventure, a romantic getaway or a family vacation, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Being well prepared will help you avoid annoyance and make the most of your trip. In this article, the Certified Auto Repair team provides advice to help you confidently hit the road.
Schedule an inspection
Make an appointment with a mechanic several weeks ahead of your trip. Once they’ve inspected the fluids, brakes, wheels, lights, battery, heating and air conditioning, your mechanic will clearly understand your vehicle’s condition. You’ll know if it can handle driving several hundred kilometres without running into problems.
If something is damaged, you still have plenty of time to repair it before setting out. And when you do hit the road, you’ll do so with peace of mind.
Check your navigation system
Don’t leave your navigation to chance if you plan to explore remote areas. Many navigation apps are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If your car is a recent model, the route will display on your touchscreen. If your car is a little older, you can still use the appropriate apps on your smartphone. In any case, don’t forget to bring a charger.
That said, it’s always possible that your navigation system may break down while you’re on the road. For this reason, go a bit old school and keep printed roadmaps of the places you plan to visit in your glove box as a backup.
Declutter the trunk and cab
Before loading your vehicle with luggage, remove anything that won’t be useful to you on the road. For example, you won’t need your winter accessories in the summer. Remember, the heavier your car, the more fuel it’ll consume. Take this opportunity to vacuum out the cab and wipe down the interior surfaces to create an optimal driving experience for you and your passengers.
Prepare an emergency kit
Despite taking precautions, the unexpected may still crop up. Pull together emergency essentials like booster cables, flares, a flashlight, a multi-tool, bandages and medicines. Keep them in a duffle bag in your trunk. It’s also a good idea to have a spare container of windshield washer fluid on hand.
Finally, if you haven’t already done so, enrol in a roadside assistance program. This ensures someone will come to your aid if you break down or accidentally lock your keys inside the car.
The safety of our valuable customers is important to us. Make an appointment with Certified Auto Repair to have your vehicle inspected before your road trip.