Holiday travel is on and automobile travel is predicted to be high this season. When we talk about road trip safety, we aren’t talking about the things you already know. We’re talking about a few things you might just not have thought about but they’re essential for your driving safety.
Here, we want to share some of our top tips for road trips to keep you, your loved ones, and your vehicle safer this winter. We’re all about getting your vehicle ready with preventative maintenance and routine auto services and helping you get the best gas mileage – keep reading to see what else!
Road Trip Safety Needs to Be a Priority
Things like alcohol, stress, increased traffic, putting off vehicle repairs due to lack of time or finances, inclement weather and unfamiliar routes of travel all tend to increase the dangers of holiday travel. Fatalities increase overall during holiday travel. So, we want to help increase awareness and remind people just how important these tips are, even the ones you know and try to follow on a regular basis.
Our Top Road Trip Safety Tips
1. Prepare Your Vehicle
Your vehicle needs to get you from point A to point B safely and smoothly. Plan a month in advance for any auto repairs or routine services. Have your trusted auto repair shop do a full inspection and check coolant, oil, tire pressure, tire condition, battery, brakes, belts and hoses, fluids, wipers and lights.
2. Prepare Yourself
Be sure to get plenty of rest and be in good health for the road trip. Don’t forget to refill and pack any meds you take, sleep the night before, bring water and snacks in the car and always remember to tell people where you’re going and what your travel plans are. You’ll also want to make sure your first aid kit is prepared, including blankets and pillows, jumper cables and flares, maps, tools, waterproof matches and other essentials.
3. Make Reservations or Check Hotels in the Area Ahead of Time
Before you hit the road, plan on where you’ll stop and make reservations so you know you have a place to stay. This will prevent you from driving overtired or at night on unfamiliar roads and terrain. You will also save time and gas not having to get on and off exits, and stopping at different hotels to find out the rates and availability.
4. Be Wise with Your Fuel Mileage
Gas prices are still high, so find ways to spend less money on the road by slowing down your acceleration, purchasing gas at the coolest time of the day, keep a moderate speed, keep windows closed when driving at high speeds, try driving on smoother roads, remove excess weight where possible, check tire pressure and know how much you’ll spend on gas.
5. Be Safe and Alert At All Times Behind the Wheel
This is huge. Distracted driving and impaired driving are avoidable. Staying alert will help you to scan the road for dangers or hazards, notice tailgaters or aggressive drivers around you, and avoid emergencies. It is also important to take breaks and stretch, have plenty of fuel options between each exit, and listen to your body when you’re getting tired.
Make Road Trip Safety a Priority With Preventative Maintenance At Our Tempe Auto Repair Shop
The increased dangers of holiday travel shouldn’t stop you from enjoying all that this season has to offer (and road trips all year long)! We are here to help prepare your vehicle for the miles to come and the memories ahead. Preventative maintenance helps keep vehicles safer and even helps you avoid major repairs and breakdowns when you least expect them.
Give us a call and schedule your appointment today!
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