10 Ways to Prep Your Vehicle for a Road Trip

10 Ways to Prep Your Vehicle for a Road Trip

Aah, temps have risen, kids are out of school and you need some time with the sun and sand to cope with the stress built up since your last vacay. But, wait. Procrastination has deemed your vehicle unfit for a road trip. Your air filter needs to be changed and the back of your vehicle has been embedded with cheerios from your toddler’s snack yesterday (or last month, whatever.)

No fear, Jenkins & Wynne Internet Department girls are here! Here are ten tried and true tips from experts (these may or may not have been learned the hard way.)

1)      Get major repairs done!

First of all, duh. You can’t drive several hours with your car on the fritz. Get this done at least a month before you head to the coast (or maybe you are lucky and you're going to Harry Potter World.) You’ll thank yourself when you aren’t broken down on the side of a random back road.

2)      Check Tires

This is a must. Because, blow-outs on the highway are extremely dangerous and can cause wrecks. Make sure to fill your tires with air to the correct tire pressure (check your owner’s manual.) Also, do you have a spare tire & jack, just in case?

3)      Change your oil.

Engines are expensive, oil changes are not. Take the time to do this before you leave (and every few thousand miles.)

4)      Change your air filter

If your air filter is congested and dirty, it will cause your vehicle to use more gas. If you are like me, you despise spending money on gas- I’d rather stock my cooler.

5)      Check or Replace Your Battery as needed

There’s nothing fun about spending a looooong day at the beach to get to your car and it won’t start. It’s actually the worst- so check that battery!

6)      License, Title, Registration & Insurance

Because, the po-po is everywhere, ya’ll.

7)      Get your car detailed

Traveling with guests and want them to think your kids NEVER eat in the car? (LOL) Oh, you fancy, huh.

8)      Emergency Kit

Being prepared for everything can really ease your mind on the road. I’m not sure that statement applies to a zombie apocalypse, but you can always plan ahead.

Some things you might want to include:

-First Aid Kit

-Jumper Cables

-Snacks, Water

-Basic Tools

-Flashlight

9)      Get Gas

This is pretty important if you actually want to get anywhere. Running out of gas in the middle of a busy intersection is terrifying (Daddy wasn’t happy about that one.) Having a Kroger card and swiping that baby gets you points which translate to several cents off the gallon (Kroger gas is cheaper most of the time anyway.) There are several apps in the app store that help you find gas stations with the lowest prices as well.

10)   AAA Membership

Crap happens and it can sometimes be unavoidable. AAA gives you peace of mind that help is available wherever you may be. And if you’re like me and have little to no knowledge on how to address car issue….this is a dream come true.

Jenkins & Wynne wants to help you make your vacation a stress-free experience! Schedule a vehicle check-up with us today. Give us a ring and we’ll hook you up.

Cheers to your vacations and prayers that a zombie apocalypse waits until after your vacay.