Before you begin one of many best American road trips, you need to be thoroughly prepared for what lies ahead. Going out on the open highway can be an exhilarating feeling, filling you with a sense of liberation and freedom. That can all come crashing down if you don’t make the right preparations, turning your dream trip into a nightmare.

Instead of just worrying about what all could go wrong, follow this checklist. It will help you remember all of the essentials, and be prepared in case things take a turn for the worse, allowing you to enjoy the best cross country road trip possible.

Best American Road Trips Checklist

Fluids

There’s nothing worse than having your car break down in the middle of nowhere. Even if you have cell service in the area, having to wait for a tow truck, dealing with a shop you don’t know, and everything else that comes with the situation really kills a vacation. One of the simplest ways to prevent this from happening is to just check all of the fluids in your car before you head out. This includes the oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid and even the window washing fluid. It’s such an easy thing to do, but failure to execute on it can lead to a serious disaster.

Tires

Probably the most overlooked maintenance item is tires. Drivers tend to take the rubber that hits the road for granted, which can lead to poor fuel economy and maybe even a serious accident. Before you hit the open road, check the air pressure for each tire and inspect the tread and sidewall for signs of excessive wear or damage. If you’re not especially well-versed in tire care, bring your vehicle into our shop and we can gladly do an inspection, plus rotate and balance the tires before sending you off.

Routing

If you don’t know where you’re going, your road trip could become interesting in all the wrong sorts of ways. It’s worth taking some time before you get into the car to plan out some good road trip routes. Look over which roads you need to take along the way, along with exit numbers and other directions. Of course it’s great if you have GPS in your car, but that doesn’t make knowing the way in advance any less valuable.

Food and Water

Not to sound paranoid, but you could conceivably find yourself in a situation where not having food and drinkable water in your vehicle puts you in a real bind. Bad weather, an accident, car trouble, etc. could strand you in the middle of nowhere. Your very life in that situation would depend on having enough food and water to last until you can get help.

Flashlight

So many people these days depend on their smartphone for a small light. While this can work in a pinch around the house, the fact is having a good flashlight tucked in your glovebox is an incredibly wise idea. If you are stranded somewhere and night falls, you’ll have a trust light that doesn’t involve draining your phone battery.

Tools

Sometimes vehicles have trouble and help is far away. Taking some basic tools with you, like screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, etc. can allow you to patch things together enough to reach civilization. The older the vehicle and the more trouble it’s had in the past, the more tools you should bring along, just in case.

First Aid Kit

You don’t plan to get hurt, but you never know. Even during an otherwise uneventful trip, someone could get a fairly small cut or be stung by a bee. While neither situation is life threatening, having a basic first aid kit can help a person get comfortable and avoid a painful infection.

T3 Atlanta

This summer, before you take the best American road trip, bring your auto to T3 Atlanta for a thorough check. T3 Atlanta provides professional service for Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan automobiles.

 

Atlanta winters here are typically mild. But old man winter likes to pay us a visits every once in awhile. When we get that unusual ice and snow storm in Atlanta most of the major highways are kept open by the DOT pre-treating surfaces and using snow plows. But the side roads can stay dangerous for days. While it would be nice to stay at home until all the snow and ice are gone, that is not very practical.

Tips for Driving in Ice and Snow in Atlanta

As winter approaches, always keep your vehicle in the best possible driving condition for the season. Lights, tires, brakes, wipers, the defroster and radiator are very important for winter driving.

Always check your tires for adequate tread if you decide to drive in snow and ice. Poor treads will not be able to grip when driving in these conditions.

Here are several helpful tips to help you maneuver driving on ice and snow:

• Make sure your tires are fully inflated before you leave home. This will help your tires performance on ice and snow. Your tires pressure should be lower during the winter. Check your owner’s manual.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freezes.
• Never warm your car in a garage. Fumes from the exhaust will fill the air quickly. Also, check your exhaust pipe for clogs of snow and ice. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly.
• Clear car windows, mirrors and the top of your car of snow and ice. If you have to suddenly hit your brakes the snow pack will fall on your windshield and mirrors, obstructing your view.
• Do not pour hot or boiling water onto your windshield.  You will run the risk of cracking it. Use lukewarm water only to help melt the snow and ice.
• Remove snow and ice from your front and back of your car lights. This will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers on the road.
• If you will be traveling on roads that are shaded by large trees, be on the lookout for black ice. This can be very difficult to drive on. Consider changing your route to make your drive easier.
• Avoid using your car’s parking brake and cruise control while driving in snow and ice.
• Drive slowly. Your speed should match the road conditions. Your travel time will take longer on ice and snow, so plan ahead.
• Switch to a lower gear when driving to help your car maintain a slower speed.
• Look and steer in the direction you want your car to travel.
• If you skid, steer into it. For example: if you car is sliding to the right, steer the car to the right.
• Apply the gas slowly. This is the best way to gain traction on snow and ice.
• Avoid stopping. Try to slow your speed down to a slow roll. The more stops you have to make the more difficult it will be to get traction.
• When you have to stop, apply firm and steady pressure to your brakes. Do not slam on your brakes. Instead try pumping your brakes.
• Do not barrel up hills. Let momentum help carry you up difficult hills. If you use too much power your tires will just start spinning.
• If you hit an icy spot and start to slide do not continue to steer your wheels. Excessive steering will not help you regain control.
• Most importantly, if you do not have to get out, stay at home. Wait until road conditions improve and head out tomorrow. Snow days can be fun!

Pack A Survival Kit

If you must head out, always pack a survival kit in case you get stranded. Your kit should include:

• Sand, salt, kitty litter or tire chains to help your tires get traction on the roads.
• Snow shovel. They make ones that fold up and will not take up much space in your car.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Window washer fluid
• Ice scrapper
• Roll of paper towel or cloths
• Jumper cables
• Extra clothing and blankets to stay warm with
• Water & snacks
• Tool Kit
• Cell phone and charger

If you do venture out and become stranded, do not leave your car. Call 911 for immediate assistance. Stay in your car and wrap up blankets and clothing to stay warm until help arrives. Run the heater in car intermittingly to help you stay warm.

 

The holidays are here, and many people will take to the roads and skies to visit friends and family this season. Planning even a short trip requires a lot of thought and consideration beyond just ‘what to pack’. Preparing for a vacation in advance will make your trip smoother, easier, and more enjoyable.

Preparing Your Car For a Road Trip

There is little worse than going on a road trip, expecting days of fun and interesting sights, only to wind up on the side of the road with car problems. Preparing your car before the trip will greatly reduce your chance of becoming stranded.

• Check your vehicle’s fluids. These include windshield washing fluid, coolant, brake and transmission fluid, and so on.
• Check your hoses and belts. If there is any sign of wear or tear, it may be best to bring your car into a mechanic to get them replaced preemptively.
• Make sure your tires are road-worthy. Too little tread can pose a danger to yourself and others. You also want to keep an eye out for any bulges or cracks in your tires, as these indicate that your tire needs replacing.
• Visit your mechanic for a general check-up. Your mechanic is the best person to consult for a vehicle health overview, and can advise of any potential problems or issues that need to be addressed prior to a long road trip.

Must-Have Travel Apps

There are thousands of travel apps to choose from. These can range from directions, food, flight info, and more. You can find just about everything you can imagine in your device’s app store. Here are some must-have travel apps for your next trip.

Entrain

If you have a hard time adjusting to new time zones, then the Entrain app will be a great ally. Developed by the University of Michigan, this app calculates your trip destination, length, and body’s circadian rhythm to help determine the optimal sleeping schedule for you to adjust.

Waze

This must-have driving app makes great use of social networking while giving directions to your destination. Fellow ‘Wazers’, or people who are also using the Waze app in your area, update any traffic, accidents, or any other issues on the road in real time.

GasBuddy

There are few worse feelings than being in the middle of nowhere and seeing the gas indicator dip close to empty. GasBuddy tells you where the nearest gas stations are so you don’t have to sweat.

XE Currency

Travelling overseas this season? Convert your currency using live rates with XE Currency. Never again be stuck wondering how many yen your dollars are worth!

Tips for Travelling With Young Kids

Travelling with young kids can be a challenge in itself. Maximize the fun and enjoyment during the family vacation by doing some advance planning.

• Book Extra Time: When you’re in a rush, it’s easy for everyone to get stressed. Leave for the airport early and allow for plenty of extra time. This helps give you some leeway for emergency bathroom breaks, snack time, and exploring new places.
• Pack Smart Snacks: While choosing snacks for your children, remember that sugar-filled snacks will result in hyper kids on the plane or train. Savory snacks are a better bet to keep your kids from having a sugar rush.
• Provide Entertainment: “Are we there yet?” will quickly get on any parent’s nerves! Download movies, shows, and kid-friendly games and apps to keep your children happy while in transit.
• Plan Ahead: Book your hotel and flight in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. If you need a crib or pack and play, call ahead to make sure that the airline or hotel has one ready for your arrival.
• Remember The Medicine: Painkillers are a must-have for any accidental bumps or bruises while on the go. A small first aid kit with bandages, alcohol wipes, and antibiotic ointment will go a long way on any trip.

Travelling With the Family Pet

When travelling with your pet, it’s important to remember that not all pets like travelling as much as you do! Bringing items that comfort them and remind them of home can reduce stress in many pets.

Other items to bring when travelling with the family pet include…

• Disposable kitty litter pans.
• Plenty of doggie waste bags.
• Foldable/collapsible water bowl – this saves space and can be brought on hikes or walks through new cities.
• Bring their favorite toys and bed to comfort them.
• Pack extra food, as the local pet shop may not carry your pet’s preferred type of food.
• Microchip or ID tag your pet, or update your info on existing IDs. If they get lost, you’ll have a much greater chance of recovering them when your current contact info is on hand.

T3 Atlanta

If you’re going on a road trip this season, T3 Atlanta can help you ensure that your car is road-worthy. Don’t spend your vacation stranded on the side of the road! We specialize in Nissan, Toyota, Infiniti, and Lexus vehicles. Visit our Smyrna or Decatur location, both of which are convenient to the Atlanta area!