Sometimes you find yourself ready to hit the road, get in your vehicle and see where you’re going when you get there. Most of the time, though, you like to have a good idea of where you’re going and you are preparing for a trip beforehand. If you’re planning on making a long voyage in your vehicle here are some car trip planning tips from My Auto Store to make sure you get there and back without any hiccups.
Know Your Route
The first thing to do before you get in the car for a long trip is to make sure you have your route planned. Of course, in the modern world, GPS is so easily accessible that you almost have no need for any other preparation. But if your phone or GPS stops functioning, you’ll be totally lost without it. Technology is great, but it’s always good to plan your trip and keep a map in the car for emergencies.
You’ll also want to take a look at the weather. Check the weather of your destination around the time you’ll be arriving. And if your drive is exceptionally long, take a look at the weather at different points along your route. This will give you a good idea about what you’re in for.
Stock Up
It’s always a good idea to keep some emergency items in your vehicle, especially if you’ll be far away from your home, friends, and family who would otherwise be able to help you if you got stuck. Snacks, some spare clothes, some water, a few candles, a blanket, a shovel, first aid kit are all good to keep around for long car rides. During the summer, candles, blankets, and shovels may not be necessary.
Keep an Extra Key on You
If you’re traveling a long way, you’ll definitely want to have an extra car key on you. It’s easy to wind up losing your car key, locking it in the car, or otherwise finding a way to make it impossible to use. Keeping a spare key on you or hidden in the car can make things much easier. If you know there’s a spare key in the car, you can call a tow truck (your insurance plan covers some roadside assistance) have them get the car open and you won’t have to get a new key made.
Make Sure Your Car is Up for It
Most importantly, when preparing your car for a road trip, make sure that your vehicle is up for it. Get things checked out with a mechanic and if repairs are needed get them done. And keep in mind, vehicle repairs can be made much more affordable with the help of used car parts. Contact My Auto Store Today for affordable used parts that come with the best warranty in the business.
