Get Your Car Road Trip Ready

by Valerie Hawkins

Summer is winding down, but there's still time to sneak in a final family vacay! And whether you’re driving a few towns or a few states over, it’s a good idea to check to make sure your car is in tip-top shape. This will help save you time, money and potential headaches.

Here are a few simple tips to help get your car road trip ready.

Car maintenance

Simple car maintenance now can help avoid a big road bump later (see what I did there?!) Here are the top things to check before hitting the road:

• Check the condition and air pressure in your tires
• Test your wipers and wiper fluid
• Make sure your headlights and taillights are working
• Change your oil and filter
• Clean your car, inside and out

Pack the essentials

As a young driver, my dad had my trunk choc-full of, what I thought to be, MacGyver-like tools. And sure enough, those “unnecessary items” always ended up saving me. Big time. Here’s a sampling of what papa Steve packed for me:

• Spare tire, tire iron and car jack
• Spare car key
• Spark plugs
• Small garbage bags to keep your car neat
• Owner’s manual and insurance cards (Pro tip: Download the COUNTRY Financial mobile app to access to your insurance card, roadside assistance, policy and account details, or to easily connect with your rep!)
• Tow rope
• Blankets and an extra coat

Other tips for a successful road trip

Once you have your car maintenanced and packed, keep these tips in mind when you’re on the road.

• Use cruise control – steady speeds will help your gas mileage
• If you’re tired, pull over and rest. Don’t try to muscle through with caffeine!
• Put down your phone. Never text and drive, and use hands-free when making calls.