2020 has us all needing a getaway! It’s your last chance to road trip before the kids are back to school or e-learning so plan some fun for the family and hit the open road. Pick a spot on the map and get ready to go with these road trip pro tips PLUS a checklist to get you on your way.
Tidy Up: Even if you’re not a neat freak you’ll want to start with a clean car. Run the vacuum, wipe down the windows, and remove bulky items you won’t need while you’re traveling. If you won’t be golfing you can leave the clubs behind! Don’t forget a roll of paper towels for spills along the way. Ask any Mom, a wet wash cloth in a baggie can save the day! PRO TIP: Pack a few garbage bags to make clean-up a breeze.
Bring Home With: You’ll for sure want to pack some comforts of home for the ride. A long ride is that much better with your favorite blanket, a pillow, and a few essentials like antibacterial wipes and small first aid kit. Remember, good radio and cell service is not always easy to find so have back up tunes saved to your device. PRO TIP: Don’t forget the charging cords. A device with a low battery in the middle of nowhere is what nightmares are made of. Especially if you’re traveling with kids!
Organization is Key: Take a minute to sort through those extra compartments before you go. Make sure you have a current insurance card, your registration info, and know where your AAA card is. If you’re not already a member of AAA or other roadside service club look into it! Peace of mind goes a long way when you’re traveling and need a tow, lock your keys in the car, or the battery dies. PRO TIP: Write down or print a list of phone numbers just in case. If something happens to your phone you’ll be glad you did.
Apps on the Go: Do yourself (and your data plan) a favor and download before you go. There’s a plethora of apps to make your trip easier with real time traffic info, cheap gas finders, and foodie finds along the way. PRO TIP: Roadtrippers.com is both a website and an app so you can take your research with you and discover fun stops along the way.
Snack Attack: Road trip calories don’t count so stock up! It’s literally one of the best parts of taking a road trip. Plan ahead and configure your cooler so it’s accessible and items are easy to grab. If your adventure buddy has four paws don’t forget their treats and water for on the go. Fresh fruit and veggies will balance out the sugar and carbs. PRO TIP: Fill a few water bottles halfway and toss them in the freezer. They’ll act as ice packs for your trip snacks and you’ll have water when you need it!
Ready Your Ride: America is less “on the go” than ever which means your car has been sitting more than usual in 2020. Making sure your ride is in top notch condition will make your trip safer, more enjoyable, and easier on your wallet! Getting your car checked out a week before you plan to leave will give you time to fix any potential issues. Once you hit the road even a quick fix can delay your adventure or leave you stranded with kids, pets, and cranky parents. Let your mechanic know you’re heading out of town and make sure you’re ready to roll. PRO TIP: estimate your fuel funds BEFORE you go? Check out the user-friendly fuel calculator.
Road Trip Maintenance Check List
- Oil Change
- Brake Fluid
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Coolant
- Power Steering
- Tire Pressure. Don’t forget your spare!
- Light bulbs including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazards
- Wiper blades are free of tears and in operational condition
- Look for leaks. Placing a large piece of cardboard under your parked vehicle makes it easier to find drips!
At Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall we’re making your trip easier than ever with pickup and drop off services, touchless payment options, and free alignment checks. Make an appointment or call (815)332-3000 to schedule your road trip service today. Most importantly…have fun, make memories, and send us a postcard!
Connect with us
