Road trips are a great way to bond with friends and family while playing games, enjoying snacks or simply talking! However, if a road trip is poorly planned, it can make it a doubly stressful event and what should remain fun will feel like a chore. Regardless of the weather and roadside conditions, if you plan well for your road trip, you can avert disaster and keep a level head.
The North Coast 500 is the ultimate road trip. With over 500 miles of coastal scenery to enjoy along the north coast of Scotland it is easy to see why it is a firm favourite for visitors from all over the world. It will be busy this year as ever, so take a look here to view deals on north coast 500 hotels and start planning your road trip.
Get your driving maps in order and make sure your car is amply organised because by the end of this article, you will feel ready to tackle virtually anything on your road trip!
Perform Basic Vehicle Maintenance
It’s important to thoroughly check over the car you’ll drive for your road trip. From topping off the fluids such as transmission, oil, and brake to checking the tire pressure, it’s crucial for the vehicle to remain in good condition. Depending on the amount of wear and tear on your tires, you may need to think about getting them replaced if the grooves aren’t deep enough. The same thing is true for windscreen wipers! If they’re squeaky or leave streaks behind, make sure to replace them right away before going on your trip.
Making sure all parts of your car are in working order will ensure that you don’t get stranded in an unfamiliar area without reaching your destination in reasonable time. Always keep medications, a first aid kit, and the number of your roadside assistance handy in case of an emergency.
Plan Your Road Trip Route
Before you go on your trip, make sure you figure out where you can stop for bathroom breaks, fuel or food. Many service stations offer you plenty of amenities. There are many apps such as Fuel Genie that can help you find the most affordable petrol stations during your trip.
Make it a point to stop at least every two hours or 100 miles on longer road trips to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs. Taking some time away from driving will make you feel more alert and give you a chance to recharge before going back on the road.
Pack Your Things Carefully
When packing for your road trip, make sure you consider how much weight your car’s cargo compartment can actually hold. Packing your vehicle with too much luggage will overload its capacity to function by wearing down tires faster and burning more fuel.
As you pack your belongings, make sure to even out the weight of your load. Stow heavy items towards the middle of the car while lighter items are stacked on top or to the side. This ensures that your car can keep its center of gravity appropriately balanced. Packing appropriately also prevents car accidents and the vehicle from tilting over.
Address Your Seating Arrangements
As you’ll need to sit in your car seat for long hours during your road trip, it’s essential to consider the height of the seats and the overall comfort. If your car has bucket seats, make sure you bring a cushion to offer lumbar support during your long drive. For other seat types, make sure to adjust the height of the seat where your hips are slightly above your knees. Ensure that the distance between your steering wheel and your body is ample enough to prevent you from having to lock your elbows. Place your hands, like the hands on a clock face, at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock for safest driving. Lastly, adjust your rearview mirrors to ensure that you have a clear view of everything from where you’re currently sitting.
How To Get The Most Mileage
Constantly braking and accelerating your car can drain your gas tank, which is why cruise control on even highway terrain is recommended. Lastly, make sure you pack the way it was discussed in the above section as it can help you maximize mileage.
