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- #Essentials for long road trip how to
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- #Essentials for long road trip driver
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Tip: While checking the oil, make sure the color is in a range between golden and black, and that there are no metallic bits in or milky appearance to the oil. If it’s below the lowest mark, you need to add oil per instructions in the owner’s manual.
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When you take it out again, oil should be visible on the dipstick between two sets of marks or on a crosshatch. On level ground after the car’s been resting at least 5 to 10 minutes, open the hood, remove the dipstick, wipe it off with a clean, lint-free cloth, then insert it back into the tube. Oil Level – Even if your car’s oil has recently been changed, it’s a good idea to check it before heading out. Save money by performing these simple checks yourself, but be prepared to head to the shop if you find anything out of the norm or you’re not comfortable in any way. Most tire shops and auto repair shops offer road trip service packages, which will cover everything from air conditioner refrigerant to brakes, to oil and coolant and general roadworthiness. Just take it easy to start and give yourself and fellow motorists plenty of time and space to react until you’re up to speed, literally and figuratively. Your vehicle will also handle differently when it’s fully loaded, and its braking characteristics may change as well. It will probably be less than normal, especially if you’re towing something or have added storage atop your roof rack. It’s your car so you already know it, right? Well, if you haven’t had it on a long road trip before-especially one with the whole fam and all their gear-you may need to figure out what kind of gas mileage you’ll get.
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#Essentials for long road trip how to
Read about How to Make a First Aid Kit on the Red Cross website.
#Essentials for long road trip license
Also, some toll roads have a surcharge for license plate tolls (versus stopping at the booth) or just don’t even have pay-by-mail options.įirst Aid Kit - Whether you buy a premade one or want to build one yourself, it’s important to prepare for everything from cuts and scrapes to serious injuries, because you never know when an accident is going to happen. Spare Coins and Paper Money - While you probably don’t use any paper money in your day-to-day interactions at the grocery store, restaurant or coffee shop, there are still places that don’t accept credit/debit cards (We know, right?). And in an emergency, you can always use the “Oklahoma” and “Nebraska” pages to start a fire or wipe up a spill. Still a good idea to have a backup road atlas just in case you’re out of range of a cellular network and your in-car navigation hasn’t been updated since the Obama administration. Paper Maps - Do they still make these? Just kidding. Some hotels also offer the option to make late cancellations (for a small fee), which might be worth the cost if you don’t want to go all-in on insurance, but still want to retain some peace of mind. If you can afford it, it’s great to have in case things like natural disasters, illness, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances prevent you from going on your trip. Trip Insurance – Yes, trip insurance is even valid for road trips.
#Essentials for long road trip manual
#Essentials for long road trip driver
Travel tip: If you have a teen driver in your family with their learner’s permit, just keep in mind that they might not be allowed the same driving privileges once they leave your home state.
#Essentials for long road trip drivers
Driver’s Licenses of All Drivers - Don’t forget your license, you might need it to check into hotels, to verify a credit card purchase, or even show the state patrol if you’re breaking the law.Sure, the cell phone has become the de facto roadside emergency kit for 99% of situations motorists encounter, but the further you are away from home, the more likely you are to encounter that other 1%. There are a number of travel essentials that should be in your car at all times, or at least for any lengthy road trip. Comments Road Trip Essentials for Your Vehicle
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