Holiday Road Trip – Auto Preparedness – 12 Days/Day 6

Sometimes when we’re getting ready to travel the open roads during the holidays, we tend to overlook a few things. Here are some tips to make your road trip a safe one.

• Have your mechanic do a thorough inspection your vehicle, especially if you haven’t driven a long distance in a while.
• Make sure your tires are in good condition and have adequate tread (Spare tire as well).
• Familiarize yourself with the route you’re going to take and plan out your stops for rest and fuel.
• Today’s electronic gadgets can malfunction at the worst possible times. Have a foldout map or print out of your travel route as a back-up in case your GPS unit fails.
• Know the phone numbers of your road side assistance provider.
•  Have the right equipment in case you have an emergency: Jumper cables, fire extinguisher, flashlight, car jack & lug wrench, etc.
• And if you are traveling with your pet, the ASPCA has some great travel tips for pets.
• While traveling, stay on marked roads. Taking a short cut is not worth your safety.

If you take some time to prepare, your trip will be less stressful. Drive safely!

William J.P. Smith – Founding Contributor 2BeeReady.org