It's important to know the basics of a successful road trip. If you think you know all of them already, then you're off to a great start! If this is your first rodeo, here's a quick rundown of some basic expectations: the driver picks the music, the passenger is the navigator, and everyone should always let the driver know in advance if they need to use the bathroom. Do not announce this right as you are passing the exit.
This guide is here to serve as your ultimate guide to prepping your car for a road trip; because there is more to it than keeping vehicle morale up and limiting the amount of “Are we there yet?”s. Performing preventative maintenance, packing the proper tools, and knowing how to change a flat will reduce potential headaches later in the trip – we’re manifesting less stress and less tow trucks.
It’s always a good idea to be up to date on car maintenance before you tack on a couple thousand kilometers in such a short amount of time. Preventative maintenance can go a long way. Not only does it keep everyone in your vehicle safe, but the other drivers you cross paths with too. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the highway waiting for a tow truck to come. And if this does happen, well, it’ll make for a funny story down the road.
A clean car is a happy car. You’re in here for the long haul, the least you can do is keep it clean for your fellow road-trip companions. Get a mini garbage bin for the car for the wrappers and crumbs that will inevitably appear. When the snacks come out or you’ve just left the drive thru, things are bound to get a little messy. Stash some napkins and wipes in the glovebox, just in case. Don't be the person wiping their dirty hands on the car seat – that's a big no-no in our books.
Make sure your car is stocked up. We’re talking enough snacks, water, caffeine, phone chargers and power banks to keep morale up and the driver awake. Fatigue can come out of nowhere, believe us. If you’re the driver, make sure you’re staying hydrated and eating during your time behind the wheel, and never be afraid to admit that you need a break. Always take the time to rest-up and let someone with fresh eyes take the wheel.
In the trunk, a basic emergency kit is one of those things you’ll hope you don’t need but will be glad to have it if you do. Plenty of hardware stores sell pre-assembled vehicle emergency kits for you to be plenty prepared, but if you’re just looking to gather the basics, here’s what we deem to be essential: jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a blanket and a set of reflective triangles. The trunk is also a great spot to stash a water container, you'd be surprised how little you'll be willing to spend on bottled water at the gas station.
Your road trip should be memorable for the right reasons; not because you ended up with a flat tire on the highway. Take the time to make sure you and your vehicle are prepared before you hit the road. Anything to keep your trip stress-free and your car running as smooth as possible.
Now that you’re all set, all you have to worry about is perfecting your road-trip playlist and stocking up on your fave snacks. We also highly recommend adding some whimsy to the trip with the help of some roadside attractions – the World’s Largest Canoe Paddle is lovely this time of year (yes, it's real).
