Top 5 Tips for your Next Road Trip

Top 5 Tips for your Next Road Trip

Top 5 Tips for your Next Road Trip

Planning a road trip? The success and enjoyment are all in the planning. A little forethought and proactive vehicle maintenance can make all the difference between enjoying the open road or a journey blighted by inconvenience.

The following are 5 top tips for a successful road trip and making memories—for all the right reasons.

The Road Trip Checklist

  • Road trip tip 1: prep your car
  • Road trip tip 2: pack the essentials
  • Road trip tip 3: book accommodation/plan possible stops in advance
  • Road trip tip 4: utilize tech but go old school for backup 
  • Road trip tip 5: it’s the journey, not the destination, that counts

Road trip tip 1: prep your car 

Preparing your car for the journey is an essential element for any long drive. This is one thing that shouldn’t be left until the last minute—just in case the vehicle needs any repairs. Unless you’re an accomplished mechanic (or experienced DIYer), getting a professional service or check a few weeks before you head off is a wise move. 

At the very least the following should be done:

  • Check the braking system is working correctly and has plenty of life in it
  • All vehicle fluids to be checked and topped up/changed as necessary
  • The tires are in good condition and are correctly inflated. Don’t forget the spare if your car has one.
  • All belts, caps, hoses, and filters are checked/replaced as needed
  • Lights and signal lights are working
  • Windshield wipers are in good condition

Road trip tip 2: pack the essentials

Packing spares of perishable and emergency car items is good practice. Bulbs, spare wipers, an emergency breakdown kit, shovel, and snow chains (if you’re heading into snowy territory), and jump leads are all worth considering.

Other essential items include:

  • First aid kit
  • Thermal water bottles (for cold and hot drinks)
  • The right clothes for the climate
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Entertainment for passengers
  • Cash and credit cards

Your list of essentials will vary, depending on how many are traveling, whether you have kids with you, the time of year, climate, etc.

Road trip tip 3: book accommodation/plan possible stops in advance

Some people are happy to book accommodation as they go. Others prefer to book in advance. Even if you fall into the former category, it’s a wise move to do a little research as to where you might stop and what’s available. There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of a long driving day and realizing there’s no room at the inn!

Road trip tip 4: utilize tech but go old school for backup

Apps and the internet are wonderful but, despite great leaps forward, there are still areas of the country that don’t have a signal. This makes being 100% reliant on your cell, tablet, or laptop a big mistake.

Carrying maps (and knowing how to use them) is vital for those times when your GPS fails. And having a list of possible accommodation options for when you can’t call up Airbnb to find your overnight stop will make for a far less stressful journey.

Road trip tip 5: it’s the journey, not the destination, that counts

Last, but not least, relax and enjoy the ride. Not only do you get to take full advantage of all your vehicle can offer, but you’ll also be traveling the road unexplored. Look around, stop often, talk to the locals… Having a flexible attitude to your road trip will ensure that the odd small hitch can even be seen as a positive when you might end up staying somewhere unexpected or meeting folks with whom you’d never usually cross paths.

Taking your Luxury Car on a Road Trip? Contact Autobahn of Boca for that Essential Pre-Journey Maintenance

At Autobahn of Boca, we’ve got all the expertise to prep your vehicle for a road trip of any length. Whether you’re planning a few hundred or many thousands of miles, our BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW, and Mercedes-trained technicians will ensure your ride is in tip-top condition before you go. Plus, we’ll advise on any essential considerations along the way.

Visit https://www.autobahnofboca.com to find out more and book your pre-road trip maintenance check today.