This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EarthDayDriveAway #CollectiveBias Heading out on a trip soon, or taking your family on vacation? Keep reading to know what you should do to prepare for a roadtrip to make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible!
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Before heading out on vacation, or a roadtrip for any reason that is, (they’re not always as fun as vacation, sometimes it’s a business trip, family reunion, etc etc) it’s SUPER important to make sure your car is ready for a roadtrip. Outside of mechanically, there’s also important things you need to make sure you take with you IN your car. I’ve teamed up with Mobil 1™ for #EarthDayDriveAway to get your and your car ready for your next roadtrip!
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What You Should Do To Prepare for a Roadtrip!
CLEAN OUT YOUR CAR
This is a number 1, absolutely must, very-first-thing-we-do on our list of what you should do to prepare for a roadtrip. Cleaning out your car before a roadtrip will give you a clean slate. Let’s face it, by the end of the trip it will be trashed again, but nothing feels better than starting off your trip with a clean car that’s freshly vacuumed and free from old french fries (don’t judge, that carseat could hide just about anything). It just makes you feel so much better, and you’ll feel less stressed and more put together too. Do this first.
ASSESS YOUR CAR FOR MECHANICAL ISSUES
If you aren’t mechanically minded, take your car to a shop for a check-up and have them tell you if you have any pressing matters that should be fixed before you leave. Check to make sure your headlights are working, blinkers are working, and that your brakes are in good working order.
GET YOUR OIL CHANGED
This is so important. So vitally important. If you want to know what you should do to prepare for a roadtrip, this is definitely one of the most important details to take care of. If you want to change your oil yourself, it can be a little overwhelming to know which oil is best for your car and what you should buy.
Look at this awesome display at Walmart. It’s a ton of oil, but how do you know which one to get? Use the Oil Selector Tool to find out the oil you should be using in your car. IF you change your oil, help to keep the earth happy and healthy by disposing of the old oil the right way. You can click HERE to find a Walmart Auto Care Center near you to dispose of the old oil. There’s a current promotion running where you can enter to win a Chevy Equinox AND get a $10 Walmart Select Certificate to use toward any 5 quart Mobil 1™ purchase! Shoppers can enter for a chance to win a Chevy Equinox in two ways: 1: by purchasing 5 quarts of Mobil 1™ in the store or a Mobil 1™ oil change at a Walmart Auto Care Center, or 2: by recycling any used oil at a Walmart Auto Care Center. Promotion runs: January 15, 2018 – April 30, 2018. You will need your Walmart receipt, so hang on to that to enter. There is also a limit of 2 entries per person (one for recycling, and one for purchase), but you can find all the terms and conditions, FAQs, and other information can be found at EarthDayDriveAway.com.
If you aren’t a DIYer when it comes to your oil, just get it changed at a Walmart Auto Care Center near you! It’s simple, affordable, and can be done while you shop. Their hours are really handy because they open fairly early in the mornings and are typically open until the evening hours. You don’t have to call and make an appointment, and my wait times have never been long!
CHECK YOUR FLUIDS
In addition to your oil, it’s super important to check other fluids before heading out on a roadtrip. Check your coolant levels, transmission fluid (if your car uses it), and windshield wiper fluid. Refreshing all of these before you go will make sure you don’t have any unexpected surprises while you’re on your trip. Fill up your gas tank the night before you go too. It’s not a fluid, but go ahead and change out your windshield wipers if they haven’t been changed in the last 60 days as well. Nothing worse than driving for hours in the rain with crappy windshield wipers!
CHECK YOUR TIRES
Check the tread on your tires. Make sure they have plenty of tread and are free from any bubbles or cord showing. Check their air pressure to be sure each tire is filled properly to make sure your drive is as smooth as possible. Make sure your spare is in your car too.
PACK YOUR EMERGENCY KIT
Emergency kits in your car should have several things in them. Outside of things FOR your car, they should have some things for you and your family as well.
FOR YOUR CAR:
- Jumper Cables
- Motor Oil
- Coolant
- Tire Iron
- Jack
- Rain-X
- Gas Can
- Funnel
- Ice Scraper
FOR YOURSELF/YOUR FAMILY:
- Blankets/Coats (in the winter)
- Flashlight
- Bottled Water
- Small Snacks (like granola bars, crackers)
- First-Aid Kit
- Coins for toll money
- Extra change of clothes for each family member (make sure sizes are kept up to date)
- Towel
- Umbrella/Poncho
- Hot Hands/Feet
Now that you know what you should do to prepare for a roadtrip, you’re ready to travel! So no matter if out of obligation or for pleasure, you can travel safely and can rest assured knowing your ready for whatever life throws at you. Have any other trips to share? Leave them in the comments!
