As summer draws near, our minds drift to sunny beach days, cozy picnics, and ⏤road trips! But don’t let nasty surprises spoil your fun! From routine maintenance checks to securing the necessary vignettes, here are 12 things you should check before leaving on your road trip adventure!
Maintenance
A road trip can be demanding, even on the most trusty mechanical steed, so give it some TLC before embarking on your journey. The five following checks can help troubleshoot some of those unpleasant mechanical issues.
❍ Fluids
Check the levels of all essential car fluids, such as engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, and top them up when necessary. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for guidance on checking and replenishing these levels. Additionally, remember to refill your window washer fluid to maintain clear visibility.
❍ Wipers & Washer Jets
Once you’ve topped up the windshield washer fluid, inspect your wiper blades. Worn-out wipers can hinder effective window cleaning and potentially reduce visibility. Additionally, test the spray power of the washer jets to ensure they’re operational and cover the necessary areas.
❍ Tires
Conduct a thorough inspection of your tires, paying close attention to signs of wear and tear. Additionally, check the tire pressure. Maintaining proper inflation prolongs tire life and enhances fuel efficiency, leaving more room in your budget for fun activities. Lastly, remember to assess the condition of your spare tire so you know you can depend on it in emergencies.
❍ Lights & Signals
Check whether all your car’s lights, including the turning signals, are working. Doing so will guarantee your visibility even in the dark. If you’re going on a more extended trip, keep some spare bulbs to quickly change them in case of breakage.
❍ Mechanical play
Remember to check the bottom of your vehicle as well. Inspect the condition and mechanical play of your shafts, bearings, and other commonly known weak points of your specific vehicle. If any of these are loose or need repair, the chance of them breaking during the road trip is significant, so you can be proactive and fix them now so you are not stranded somewhere on the side of the road.
Health & Safety
Now that we have covered all the routine maintenance checks, it’s important to note that caring for yourself and your travel companions is even more important than taking care of your vehicle. Here are four things to check to ensure you stay as fit as a fiddle on your adventures.
❍ First-Aid Kit
If you still need to do so, add a first aid kit to your vehicle and familiarize yourself with its contents. Before leaving on your road trip, check whether your First Aid Kit is complete and if none of the medication inside is about to expire.
Want to learn more? Check out the ‘5 Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make In Your Overlanding First Aid Kit’ to ensure that your First Aid Kit is working for you and not against you.
❍ Emergency Information Form
Remember to update the information on your Emergency Information Form for you and your travel companions. This way, strangers and paramedics will have all the information needed to care for you in the best way possible during an emergency.
Need help figuring out where to start? We’ve got you! Sign up for our newsletter to receive the Planet Doe Emergency Information Form template absolutely free!
❍ Vaccinations
Especially when your journey leads you across continents, it’s crucial to verify beforehand whether any specific vaccinations are required or recommended for the location you’re heading to. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has all the information about which vaccines you need for which country.
❍ Insurance
While it’s unpleasant to think about mishaps, having proper insurance coverage can give you peace of mind during your road trip. Before setting off, review your current medical insurance to understand your coverage limits. This way, you can weigh whether additional travel insurance could benefit your travel plans.
In addition to your medical insurance, you should check your vehicle’s insurance to ensure it covers international support and repatriation.
Road Trip Specifics
Amidst the excitement of a road trip, it’s easy to overlook specific details, especially if you’re like us and love spontaneous last-minute adventures. However, you may need to know some crucial information before crossing borders. Breaking local laws can come at a steep price, so check the three things listed below to ensure you can use your budget for leisure instead of fines.
❍ Vignettes
In certain countries, purchasing a vignette is necessary to pay road tax, while certain cities mandate an emission vignette to permit entry into specific areas. Note that some of these stickers must be bought in advance, and the delivery time might take a while, so start your research on time.
❍ Road Regulations
Research the local road regulations and speed limits before heading to a different country. Doing so prevents costly fines and promotes safer driving conditions for everyone on the road.
❍ Local Camping Rules
Traveling by camper? Check whether you’re free to camp anywhere or restricted to designated areas or established campsites. Nothing is worse than waking up to the police telling you to move your camper, or worse, you could get fined. Ensure a good night’s rest by researching and following local laws.
As you revel in the pre-department excitement of your trip, don’t forget to follow the tips listed above so you’re well-prepared to embark on your adventures confidently. Safe travels!
Hope to see you on the road,
Planet Doe
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