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.
Kiks says
really great tips...they would come in handy for sure
Amber Ludwig says
Sadly enough this is all stuff I would have overlooked lol!! Ugh.. such a typical female move 😛 Thank you for the great list!! I spend so much time worrying about packing and occupying children that I would forget about all the important car and mechanical stuff that is super important!!
Sue M. says
Another suggestion that I read in Dear Abby's advice column, a banner or sign that says "CALL POLICE" to put in your car window if your car breaks down.
Cassidy Ciazza Morelli says
Good tips, especially the Tylenol..we've had to stop countless times in the past for just that!
Dorothy Boucher says
Great post!, I know for my family we put our vehicle in to be check, We like knowing that everything on the vehicle is up to date and working properly, We even buy a few extra such as fluids or tools that we may need for our road trip..
Jayme H. says
We often forget extra batteries for the toys, which feels like a rookie move when a toy goes kaput!
We also pack a stocked first aid kit.
We recently heard about attaching something on car seats that have contact info for someone not in the car, allergies, medical info. If people in the car cannot communicate, emergency personnel have to spend a lot of time tracking down that info.
karen cairns says
I so agree about the emergency kit. I have had to use it more times than I like and it has been a lifesaver when you are away from home.
jamie crispin says
This is awesome, everyone should read & follow
Lisa Coomer Queen says
This awesome! A great check list. This is a lot of good information. Thank you!
Cynthia C says
I just found out my brake light was out. I wish there was a sensor that tells you that - who knows how long it's been that way.
Meena nichani says
Wow love these tips. I wouldn't know to do them before reading this post
Paula says
Please don't recommend "typical" inflation PSI for tires. Instead, inform people where to find the proper inflation value for their vehicle (there's a sticker on the inside of the driver's doorjamb).
Debra Warila says
I learned the hard way to always carry lots and lots of water when I'm driving long distances!
Terrie Swanson says
Since I', leaving for an 8 day road trip across North Carolina, this article came in handy. I will be confident that I'm ready after checking off thiese items. Thanks
Beverly Guajardo says
Before I go on a trip I always check my oil and tires.
Cassidy Ciazza Morelli says
I like to make sure we have a ton of water packed as well.
Heather Mckenzie Carter says
My biggest hang up about going on road trips, are fears about our van breaking down. (It happened to me once as a child!) This is a great post. Good reminders! We recently went on a trip a few hours away and overheated because we didnt realize we were so low on coolant. Its so important to stay on top of these things, and so easy to forget!
Melissa Storms says
Thank you for the great tips. I always make sure I have working chargers for the car. Road trips have changed since I was a kid, I think it's great that kids can watch a couple of movies during the ride.