Spring is here and summer is fast approaching, which means it’s perfect weather to take a long road-trip vacation! Whether you’re headed on a cross-country jaunt or just out to explore New Jersey’s finest roadside attractions (Lucy the Elephant, anyone?), make sure to take a few minutes beforehand to make plans. Your trip will be more fun and safer with the help of our NJ Chevy dealership‘s road-trip tips below!
1. Make sure your vehicle is able to make the trip. Just because your car or SUV is relatively new doesn’t mean it’s ready for a long drive. Make sure your tires’ air pressures – including your spare tire! – are not low, top off your fluids and change your oil to head off any potential mishaps on the road.
2. Pack an emergency safety kit. Lots can happen between here and the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, so it’s important to be prepared in case of a sudden breakdown. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends bringing the following:
- A first-aid kit
- Flares
- A flashlight
- A fully charged cell phone (and car charger)
- Jumper cables
- Nonperishable food, such as granola bars
- Tools to change a tire
- Warm blankets
- Water
3. Pack your bags with just the basics. While you may not have to pay $50 for a carry-on, packing a heavy bag in your car can still end up costing you. Extra weight in the trunk translates to less efficient fuel economy, so pack light to save on gas down the road. Plus, fewer items means you won’t need to dig around to find the shirt you really wanted!
4. Plan your snacks beforehand. We’ve all been there: Stomachs start rumbling on the road, with nothing in sight but a fast-food restaurant with plenty of fried foods to fill out your waistline. Instead of giving in, plan ahead and bring a cooler filled with fresh fruits, veggies and healthy sandwich fixings. You can refill each morning at a local grocery store, which should make things easier on your wallet, as well.
5. Be prepared. Yes, the Boy Scout motto applies to road trips, too. Make sure you have a roadside assistance number programmed into your phone, and bring along current maps as a backup to your trusty GPS. You never know where your car might break down or when you’ll lose satellite service, so it’s better to be ready ahead of time.
6. Enjoy the ride! Part of the fun of a road trip is knowing that the journey is every bit as exciting as the destination. Take regular breaks every couple hours, and allow some flexibility so you can pull over to enjoy quirky attractions and pleasant vistas without worrying about time. It’s a vacation, after all, so enjoy the time spent with your family and relax!
We hope you have a safe and fun trip this summer and make a lot of happy memories while you’re out on the open road. Take some photos of your family in front of your Rossi vehicle in an exotic location and post them to our Facebook page!
