How to Prepare For a Road Trip in Greenville, SC
Road trips can range between exciting, relaxing and stressful. Yes, those long stretches of road in the country may be peaceful, but you may find it difficult to take pleasure in the ride once you hit that congested interstate exit. Driving can be hard enough without spending long hours in the car, so it helps to be prepared.
That's why, here at Steve White Volkswagen, we've prepared a list of things to remember before you embark on your next adventure. We want you to enjoy your driving experience long after you drive your vehicle off our lot, so keep reading to find out how your next road trip can be as enjoyable as you'd planned.
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1.) Have a mechanic look over your car.
One of the first steps you can take to avoid any hiccups on the road is to take your car in for a mechanic to examine. A multi-point inspection will help you drive with more confidence and peace of mind. You'll also want the mechanic to take a look at your brakes, especially if you'll be driving through mountains or on any twisting roads.
2.) Inspect your tires.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning for a road trip is to be sure your tires have enough traction. Not only do new tires help keep your ride on the interstate smoother -- they can ensure you have enough stopping power should you need to avoid an accident or stop for a pedestrian. If you're not sure how much traction is left on your tires, it's best to have your service department double-check.
3.) Don't overload your vehicle.
If you're traveling solo, or with just one other person, it's not very likely that you'll max-out your car's load. However, if you're traveling with a family or a group of friends, this can be more of a problem. It's very important that you're able to see out of your rear view window and that nothing obstructs your ability to drive, but also that your vehicle isn't too weighed down. A weighed-down vehicle will not handle as well and will be more sluggish on the road. This can cause problems on the interstate when it comes to changing lanes and merging.
How To Prepare Yourself
1.) Charge your devices.
Even if you have car chargers, it's best to make sure your phones or devices are charged beforehand. For phones, especially if you're going through areas with spotty coverage, the battery can run down quickly if it's constantly searching for signal. Useing data can also use a phone's battery at a quicker rate.
2.) Bring plenty of supplies.
In addition to your luggage, it's important to have extra supplies for the road. This could include items such as flashlights, extra water and extra jackets during cold seasons. It's also crucial that you always have a first aid kit and tool kit in your vehicle at all times, even if you're not on a long road trip.
3.) Bring snacks and coffee.
If you don't drink coffee, bring something to keep yourself awake. Particularly during long, straight drives, it can be easy to dose off at the wheel, which endangers you, your passengers and other drivers. At the very least, be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before leaving.
4.) Bring a GPS.
If you don't have a GPS, have another passenger help navigate for you on their phone or with a map. It's best to at least look at a map before leaving, in case your GPS loses signal or malfunctions. Even if you're a trailblazer who doesn't need the help of a GPS, it's best to bring one along anyway in case you take a wrong turn somewhere down the road.
5.) Stay safe.
The most important thing to remember is that no destination is as important as your safety and the safety of others on the road. No text is worth answering when you're behind the wheel, and no destination is worth speeding to get to. If you're not the one driving, help keep whoever is driving accountable.
If you're interested in learning more about preparing for a road trip, or would like to have your vehicle checked beforehand, come see us at Steve White Volkswagen in Greenville, SC, at 100 Duvall Dr, Greenville, SC 29607. We look forward to serving our customers from Asheville, NC, and Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, and throughout the Upstate!