I’ve teamed up with Allstate for this post about summer road trips.
Summer vacations are in the works and on the horizon, and whether you are planning something close to home or across the country, there are some things to consider before you embark on your summer road trip. We always think about what we’re going to do or bring to keep our kids busy in the car, but there are certainly some safety hazards we should be thinking about when it comes to longer road trips. It is essential to make sure that your vehicle is ready for a journey and the last thing anyone needs is a breakdown on a family trip. Three things that should be focused on are the tires, the fluids, and under the hood.
1. The Tires
Start off by checking the tire pressure on all of your tires, including the spare. Check to make sure they are ready for the trip and properly inflated to typically 35 psi. The tire’s tread depth is also important to pay attention to. Taking a penny and placing it upside down into the tread is the easiest way to check tread depth. If you can see the top of President Lincoln’s head, your tires are too worn and need to be replaced.
2. The Fluids
There are five crucial fluids that need to be checked to make sure you’re in good shape and won’t run into unexpected problems:
- Oil
- Transmission fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Coolant – Radiator fluid is the antifreeze coolant that is used in your radiator to help cool you car engine. It should be checked through the recovery tank, and not the radiator cap.
- Brake fluid
3. Under the Hood
Be sure to check all lights and ensure that they are functional. Do not start the engine, but rather, turn the key to the “run” position to check. These lights include:
- Headlights, both high and low beam
- Side markers, both front and rear
- Turn signals
- Brake lights – (You’ll need to have someone watch while you press the brake pedal)
- Reverse/backup lights
- License plate lights
Once you’re sure your car is in tip-top shape, it would a good idea to pack an emergency car kit which should include a small canister of wet wipes for quick clean-ups, jumper cables, the spare tire jack and the tire iron that originally came with the car. Consider including a can of fix-a-flat that will work as a good temporary flat repair, at least until you can get to a repair shop, along with the contact number for your Roadside Service provider, like Allstate Motor Club, in case of a breakdown on the road.
Beyond that, consider including change for toll roads, a GPS or hard copy maps, extra fluids for the car (such as oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant, etc.), pillows and blankets (especially if you are traveling somewhere cold), chargers for cell phones and laptops, spare batteries for childrens’ toys, headphones for cell phones and devices, laptops, and any medicine you could anticipate needing, such as Children’s Tylenol, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Dramamine, etc.
With your car in good shape and your emergency car kit packed, you’re ready to hit the road with confidence and peace of mind! Enjoy your vacation with the knowledge that you’re prepared for anything!
What are some other road trip essentials that you pack in your emergency car kit?
This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held insurance company, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day. Image credit: copyright altanaka/Dollar Photo Club.
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