With Spring Break and summer vacation just around the corner, families around the country will be packing their bags and hitting the open road. While some people are experts when it comes to preparing for a road trip – knowing what to pack, how to plan the best route, how often to stop, etc. – some could use a helpful tip or two.

Have a Routine Check Performed on Your Vehicle

The last thing you want is to pack up the car, hit the road and have everything come to an untimely halt due to your car experiencing engine trouble. A routine service checkup should be priority number one as you plan your next road trip. Have a trustworthy automotive technician check your fluid levels, inspect for leaks, check the battery charge, examine the hoses and consider getting the oil changed as well. Having your car in tip-top shape will not only help you avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere, but it’s also safer and helps with fuel efficiency. You can also enjoy the trip with added peace of mind knowing your vehicle has a clean bill of health.

Additional Vehicle Prep

In addition to prepping your vehicle under the hood, double check that the tread on your tires is in good shape for highway travel and the air pressure is at the proper PSI. Most cars have the tire pressure information on a sticker in the door jam and in the owner’s manual. You can do a DIY tread test by grabbing a penny and placing it upside down in your tire tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tires may need replacing. Don’t forget to make sure the spare tire is in place and has the right PSI as well. Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, don’t leave without making sure your windshield wipers are in working order.

Be Prepared for an Emergency

You can do all you can to avoid emergencies, but sometimes unfortunate things happen. It’s important to be ready for just about anything during a road trip, because there’s a good chance you will be without cell phone reception for most of the trip. The best thing you can do is create your own road trip emergency kit, which should include plenty of drinking water, blankets, a flashlight or two, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and some basic tools. Consider signing up for a roadside service membership beforehand as well, such as AAA.

Bring Snacks and Plan Your Meals

Try and plan your meals as best you can so you can save some money and time by avoiding frequent stops. Start by packing plenty of snacks – crackers, chips, granola bars, jerky and nuts all keep well in the car and are perfect road trip snacks. It’s also a good idea to pack an ice chest with some sandwiches, yogurt, pasta or potato salad and cold drinks for an easy, anywhere lunch. Not only will this save time, but it’s often a healthier option than fast food.

Pack Your Car Mindfully

Packing your car efficiently not only will help avoid a headache when it’s time to unpack, but it also could save you money at the gas pump. Consult your owner’s manual to find your vehicle’s load capacity. Exceeding that load capacity will drastically reduce your vehicle’s gas mileage and could also be a safety hazard, so try to pack light where possible. Additionally, placing items on top of the vehicle is fine, just be aware that it can reduce your gas mileage substantially, depending on the item, so only place the heaviest items on the roof if necessary.

Consider an Upgrade to Your Ride

Maybe a new, fuel efficient and spacious Honda is exactly what your road trips needs. If that’s the case, come have a look at the large selection of all new and certified used Hondas available at Honda of Seattle. Popular 2018 SUV crossovers, trucks and sedans are ready for a test drive now. Call Honda of Seattle at 206-382-8800 for more information today!