Are you eager to enjoy a winter road trip? If so, remember that planning is key to ensuring a safe and fun experience. Keep reading this post by Coast to Coast Synthetics in Goliad to learn a few tips on this subject.
As the winter holidays approach, it's the perfect time to embark on a road trip to go and see your family and friends across the country. Of course, having a safe and fun adventure on four wheels takes a lot of planning. Thus, this post has put together some tips you should remember when planning a winter road trip. If you are interested in this topic, read on!
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How to Prepare to Go on a Winter Road Trip
First, Plan Your Route
If you want to plan your trip effectively, start by determining the main destinations you want to see. You must also figure out the most reliable accommodation sites, the gas stations along the way, and so on. To that end, we recommend using mobile applications or tools like Google My Maps. Such a function serves to create travel maps with customized locations. Thus, you can trace your routes to know how to get to all the places you need or want to see during your road trip.
It is also essential to check the condition of the roads you will be driving on. Doing so will help avoid road closures due to maintenance or bad weather. To do so, visit the Department of Transportation websites for each state you plan to visit. Don't forget to plan alternate routes if you find closed roads in your research.
Check Your Vehicle
Inspecting your vehicle is essential to avoid breakdowns and have a safe trip. Thus, make sure to book a check-up with a trusted professional a couple weeks before setting out on the road. When doing so, tell your mechanic about your travel plans. That way, they can conduct a more thorough inspection of your engine, tires, braking system, lighting system, belts, hoses, and so on.
Once you've inspected your vehicle, equip it with a winter emergency kit. Doing so will help you deal with unexpected hazards on all types of roads, especially if you plan to travel north and drive through icy, snowy roads. So be sure to stock your kit with the following tools:
First aid kit
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter system
An extendable shovel
Snow chains (vital if you plan to drive on snowy roads)
Traction sand
Portable charger for your cell phone
Rechargeable LED handheld flashlight
Physical map
Pack Travel Tools and Supplies
Long road trips can become uncomfortable and tiring. That is why you must prepare a backpack with supplies to keep you and your passengers entertained and comfortable on the road. Having things like snacks, blankets, and travel games is essential. Also, don't forget to pack your car's paperwork. You never know when you may need proof of car insurance, a copy of your driver's license, or contact information for roadside assistance.
Extra Tip: Music is a vital part of any road trip, so create a playlist of your favorite songs!
Get a Good Night's Sleep Before the Trip
Getting a good night's sleep before hitting the road is key to having a safe drive. After all, taking the wheel requires all your energy and alertness. On that note, the National Sleep Foundation recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep for adults. Neglecting to get that amount of sleep can lead to drowsy driving and its dire consequences on the road. With these risks in mind, prioritize your rest and get a good night's sleep before hitting the road.
Prepare your vehicle for a safe winter road trip by giving it the best synthetic oil change in Goliad. Reach out to the oil pros at Coast to Coast Synthetics to learn which formulas suit your engine the best. Call them at (361) 550-9073 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place your order today.