Hello World! Welcome Friends! COVID-19 vaccines are available to the public, coronavirus statistics are dropping, and government officials have lifted restrictions. This news couldn’t come at a better time. The weather is right, and everyone is anxious to get out of the house. It’s time to visit friends and family, hit the beach, participate in community events, and of course, take a vacation or two. If you plan to drive to these destinations, you should remember a few things before hitting the road.
Photo by Leio McLaren (leiomclaren.com) on Unsplash
Get The Car Serviced
Whether your vehicle sat in the driveway for the past few months or you’ve been commuting to work, you need to have it serviced. The winter months likely put some wear and tear on the vehicle. You don’t want to end up stranded or in an accident, because you forgot to get the oil changed or have the tires rotated. So, visit your local mechanic for a check-up and maintenance. If you need a lot of work done to the vehicle, a quick online search of “personal loans to build credit” can help you cover the cost of major repairs that need to be done.
Emergency Kits And Roadside Assistance
Although getting your car serviced before taking a trip is ideal, it’s not foolproof. Your vehicle could malfunction at any moment. Should that happen, you want to be prepared. Besides learning the basics like changing a tire or using jumper cables, you should also stock an emergency kit and purchase roadside assistance.
Your emergency kit should include some oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, a funnel, and markers to flag down assistance. You’ll also need essential tools to carry out certain minor repairs. If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, roadside assistance services can ensure you get an affordable tow and ride to safety.
Check Your Insurance
Some people had to stop paying car insurance during the pandemic, while others worked out arrangements with their insurance providers. Now that you’re getting back on the road, you want to ensure that you’re protected. Although you hope to avoid an auto accident, you never know what could happen.
If you have insurance, ensure that it protects you, the vehicle, and any passengers you plan to have in the car this summer. If necessary, upgrade your insurance or invest in other products like gap insurance. This is a policy that covers the cost of a vehicle if it’s totaled. A simple search using keywords like gap insurance Geico will route you to the best deals in your area.
Be Mindful During Peak Traffic Times
The highways are likely to be packed with cars as people enjoy their lives once again. More traffic essentially leads to increased risks for accidents. Not to mention, sitting in traffic can throw off your schedule. Your best methods of avoidance include listening to local traffic reports or avoiding driving during rush hour. If you have to drive during those times, be vigilant in following road rules to avoid causing an issue or getting a ticket.
Pack Smart
Whether you’re packing a picnic basket and outdoor toys for a day at the park or you’re heading on a road trip, you must pack smart. The more you place in the car, the more it weighs, which will increase your gas costs. Too many items in the wrong spot can also make it difficult for you to safely see or operate the car.
Try to set a rule like giving everyone a one bag limit. They must be able to fit everything they need for the trip in one bag. You should also place as many things as you can in the trunk. If necessary, invest in a rack for the top of your car and bungee cords to tie your luggage down.
So much has changed this year. Activities that were once canceled are now available. Chances are, everyone is ready for some much-needed summer fun. If you plan on hitting the road this summer, ensure that you’re prepared. Have the car serviced, prepare an emergency kit, get roadside assistance, check your insurance, take precautions during rush hour, and of course, pack smart. If you’ve done all of that, the only thing left to do is get ready for the summer of a lifetime.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Should You Attempt To Fix Your Own Car?
Routine Maintenance Tips For Your Plumbing
Tips for an Interstate House Move
Make Your New House Feel Like a Home
3 Thoughtful Baby Shower Gift Ideas
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Toodles,
[…] Summer Checklist for Hitting the Road […]