Do you love the idea of taking road trips, but they always end up causing stress? You can avoid the stress and embrace the fun with some planning. Check out some tips that will help you get ready for your next road trip. Then you can hit the open road with confidence, knowing you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.
Make Sure Your Car is Ready
Nothing can derail a fun trip faster than car trouble. You don’t want to end up on the side of the road when you should be heading to your destination, so get your car ready before you depart. First, make sure you have enough air in your tires, and then check the tread. Fish out a penny and place it between the tread. The front of the penny should be facing you, with Lincoln’s head upside down. You need new tires if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head.
Also, check your fluids and get an oil change if needed. Oh, and don’t forget to inspect your wiper blades. If they leave streaks on your windshield, replace them before heading out.
Plan for Breaks
Spend some time planning your route, including stops. If you’re taking a long trip, you’ll need to stop every 100 miles or so. You can mark the stops on the route now, so you’ll have a plan when you take off on your adventure.
Don’t Overload Your Car
You want to bring some gear with you, but make sure you don’t overload your car. If your car has too much weight, it’ll burn through gas and put too much strain on your tires.
First, flip through your owner’s manual to find the gross vehicle weight rating. Then subtract the passenger weight and the car’s curb weight. That’ll let you know how much extra weight your car can hold.
Load Your Car Properly
You also need to think about how you load your gear into your car. Put the heavy items in first, placing them as close to the middle of the vehicle as possible. Then add your lighter items on top. This method will protect you if you’re in an accident. You’re less likely to be harmed by projectiles, and you’ll reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling over.
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Keep Ergonomics in Mind
You’re going to do a lot of driving, so you want to make sure your car is comfortable and ergonomic. You should sit with your knees a bit lower than your hips, so adjust your seat accordingly. If you cannot adjust the seat, sit on a cushion. Also, position the seat so you can grip the steering wheel while keeping your arms bent.
Hope Auto Company Inc. in Hope, Arkansas, can also help you get ready for your road trip. You can stop by to see our new lineup of Fords, including the 2021 EcoSport and Escape, or look through our pre-owned inventory. We can help you select a vehicle with technologies and features that will add to your driving experience.
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