I will be traveling this weekend, starting tomorrow morning for the long 4th of July holiday. Driving from Baltimore to North Jersey isn’t that long of a drive, but it still is about 4 hours. Although I’ve done this drive on many occasions, I still make sure that my car is in good condition to be driven continuously for a few hours. The last thing I want is to be stranded, unprepared for the unfortunate situation. During long trips, I also try to remember methods to increase gas mileage while driving as well. At least in New Jersey, I don’t have to pump my own gas at the gas station.
Rain-X
I always reapply Rain-X on my windshield. It helps so much when it rains. Sometimes, wipers aren’t even needed. I hate it when I’m stuck in a torrential downpour and my windshield wipers can’t keep up.
Spare Tire
I just make sure that I still have a spare tire in the trunk and is filled with proper air pressure. You don’t want to be in a situation where you need a spare tire but is out of air.
Flashlight With Batteries
I always keep a flashlight in my car. But since I don’t use it on a regular basis, I bring an extra pack of batteries, just in case.
Jumper Cables
For obvious reasons, jumper cables will always come in handy when you accidentally left the headlights on.
GPS
I don’t worry too much about GPS since my iPhone is already integrated with one. Most smart phones have one nowadays and are good enough to get you back on track if you made the wrong turn somewhere.
Radar Detector
With highway driving, speeding is always a concern. Turn your radar detector on to help you slow down if a cop is nearby. If you are pulled over, remember you don’t have to receive a speeding ticket.
Anti-Nausea Medicine
I get motion sickness very often, especially when I’m not in the driver seat. I don’t quite know what it is, but if I’m not driving the car, something happens and I get sick. I recently learned about Dramamine and it works like a charm.
AAA
If you don’t have roadside assistance program from your auto insurance or car dealership, AAA should be a good option. They’ll basically do anything and everything for you if you are stranded on the side of the road. They’ll tow your car, change your tire, jump start the car, open locked doors, and even give you gas if you run out.
What else do you do for your road trips?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
fully charged cell phone, phone numbers I may need if I need help… tow trucks, etc. …. blankets if its winter time…
of course I have all fluids checked, tire pressure… lights, blinkers, etc… in this hot weather, AC must be working.
Financial Bondage,
Yes these are all important and may even seem too much of a hassle to take care of, but these items are more for “insurance” purposes. You hope not to use them, but in case you’re in such situation, they’re available to you to help you bail you out of a tough spot.