How to Prepare for a Road Trip
How to Prepare For a Road Trip
If you’re planning on adding some serious mileage to your Toyota for your road trip, careful preparation will keep your vehicle from running into trouble that could have been avoided. It’s easy to forget, but car maintenance is the last thing you want to worry about when you’re with family or friends. Let the open road stay peaceful with our checklists here at Cherokee County Toyota! Keep reading to learn how to prep your car (and yourself!) before taking the vacation of your dreams.
How to Prepare Your Car
1. Have a mechanic look over your car.
While checking under your vehicle’s hood may give you a general idea of how it’s performing, taking your Toyota to a mechanic you trust (hi, that’s us) for an inspection is a must. A multi-point inspection will cover your vehicle’s brakes, battery, fluid levels and more. It might be a good idea to have your oil and filter changed before taking off, too. Hidden problems are no fun to discover when you’re miles away from home, so giving your vehicle a little checkup before leaving is the best protection you can give your car.
2. Inspect your tires.
Look for signs of wear on your tires’ tread with the penny method, or if you’re unsure of what to look for, ask our service technicians during your multi-point inspection to give them a good look. If your tires are close to needing replacements, go ahead and order them to be safe. Not only does your tires’ health and age factor into fuel efficiency and handling, but they’re a big part of the stopping power needed to avoid collisions. Check the tire pressure and fill your tires with the correct poundage of air, located in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
3. Don't overload your vehicle.
When your Toyota is overloaded past the recommended weight limit with bags, luggage and gear needed for your travels, it won’t perform at its best. You’ll notice a difference in the handling and gas mileage, plus it could be difficult to see out of your rearview mirror if there’s an overflowing mountain of stuff in the back. If you need a Toyota that has more space, consider our roomy SUVs or crossovers, which are all available to buy or lease at our dealership.
How To Prepare Yourself
1. Devices: Charged.
Bringing your devices along with a full charge will make a great start to your trip — especially if you remember the car charger! A charged device will help in areas that have little to no signal, so if your phone is searching for a signal or using Wi-Fi, then the battery will drain quicker. Most use their phone during the trip for navigation or just-in-case emergency calls.
2. Extra Supplies: Packed.
If you don’t have an emergency kit, go ahead and pack one with a flashlight and batteries, an extra jacket or warm blankets and a couple of bottles of water. Don’t forget bandages and medication, working jumper cables and a complete tire-changing kit. An emergency kit may be more to pack, but you’ll be happy you have it later — we hope you never have to use it!
3. Caffeine: On Hand.
Even if you don’t drink coffee or tea every day, bringing some caffeine along will help prevent drowsiness if you’re traveling early in the morning or late at night. Consider energy drinks, soda or chocolate, and don’t forget the snacks! Fresh air and loud music are ways to fight boredom or sleepiness, too.
4. GPS: Connected.
Most new vehicles have a navigation or GPS system integrated into the entertainment systems, but if you’re going old school, connect your GPS system as a backup for your phone. GPS doesn’t need the internet for power or accuracy, so if your phone loses signal, the GPS will continue to provide maps.
5. Stay safe.
You know this one. If possible, travel with others so you can switch drivers when needed. Never text and drive, and pay close attention to speed limits for a smooth, stress-free ride.
If you need your vehicle inspected or repaired before taking a grand family vacation, come see us at Cherokee County Toyota at 301 Liberty Blvd, Canton, GA 30114. We look forward to serving our customers from Alpharetta and the Greater Atlanta area.