Summer's here, and if you're planning on taking a road trip, you should make sure you're prepared for the unexpected.
Here are a few tips to keep you safe and worry free:
1. Have your vehicle inspected.
Have you vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before you embark on the adventure. A good inspection won’t cost a lot, and will cover the brakes, tires suspension, cooling, system, lights, and other drive train components. It won't hurt to check the air conditioner if you’re driving an older vehicle.
2. Kick the tires.
The correct tire pressure can save you gas. Your tire pressure limits will be located on tire, and should normally be somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-32psi. You know that spare tire in your trunk? Well, it's begging to be checked also.
3. Think safety.
Don't pack any heavy objects on the passenger's compartment of the vehicle. If there is a sudden accident, sharp and heavy objects can become deadly projectiles.
4. Defy the odds.
Odds are you’re going to leave something behind on the trip. More people than you can imagine forget to bring one of the most important items on a road trip-the emergency kit. You don't have to carry an entire hardware store inventory; just the basics will do: gloves, flashlight, a first aid kit, jumper cables rope, a spare blanket, and a tire inflator.
5. Don’t skimp on the H2O.
Always bring extra water, even if you're traveling on major roads. A flat tire can happen miles from the nearest exit, and it's easy to get dehydrated while you're waiting on the side of the road for help.
6. Stop for breaks.
For every two hours of travel, stop and take a break for at least 15 minutes. The routine can keep you fresh and alert. Don't be in too much of a hurry. If you're tired, find a rest spot to take a light snooze.
7. Keep the kids occupied.
Make sure you bring enough entertainment for the kids. There's a reason that television commercial where the kids keep asking, "Are we there yet……Are we there yet", is so popular.
8. Make sure your paperwork is in order.
Check to make sure everyone has proper identification. You may know who your passengers are, but the authority that might pull you over to the side of the road-may not. This is especially important if you're traveling across state and national borders.
Being able to handle those small emergencies on the road is great, but if you're thinking about taking your wrenching-skills to a whole new level, why not contact WyoTech for more information about the career tech school training that can help accelerate your life.
Co-host of Spike TV's "Xtreme 4X4"
"At WyoTech, I received the skill set necessary to take me as far as my imagination will lead me."
Jessi Combs' motto, "It's not how big you are in the fight; it's how big the fight is in you," has taken her a long way...