4 Tips for a Safe and Pleasant Summer Road Trip

Infiniti Summer Road Trip

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Although it has felt like summer in Tennessee for some time now, June 21 marked the season’s official kick-off. With lower gas prices, more Americans are expected to hit the road this weekend and all through the summer, according to Smartertravel.com. In fact, 69 percent of those polled in a travel forecast by Synchrony Financial claim they will travel by car. If you find that you and your family are included in that bunch, here are some tips to remember when getting ready for your family’s summer road trip.

1. Car Maintenance  – Make sure your vehicle is in proper working condition in order to protect you and your family when you’re traveling.

  • Fluids – Always get your oil changed and have your car’s fluids checked before you depart.
  • Tires – Inspect your tires for any tears or bulges in the sidewall, and make sure they have enough tread left. Consumer Reports says the easiest way to check for this is, if you don’t have a gauge, is to hold a quarter upside down in the tread. If the top of George Washington’ head is visible, you need new tires to ensure traction in all weather conditions.
  • Brakes – Have your brake pads inspected by your preferred service station and change them if they are worn out.

Click here for Consumer Report’s guide to car maintenance.

2. Emergency Roadside Kit  – Always keep this kit handy, in case you need it in an emergency.

The first item in that kit should be your cellphone, and an auto charger. An emergency cell phone charger is also a good idea in case your car battery dies. According to safercar.gov, items in your emergency roadside kit should include:

  • Cell phone and car charger
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Flares and a white flag
  • Jumper cables
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire
  • Work gloves and a change of clothes
  • Basic repair tools and some duct tape
  • (for temporarily repairing a hose leak!)
  • Water and paper towels for cleaning up
  • Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines
  • Extra windshield washer fluid
  • Maps
  • Emergency blankets, towels and coats

3. Navigation – Know where you are going and have a plan for getting there — plus a few apps.

Your vehicle may be equipped with navigation, or you may prefer to use your mobile phone or a portable GPS device. They are all handy and convenient when you are looking for fast food restaurants and gas stations during your trek. There are even apps you can download to make traveling easier and more fun. One of them is iExit, which shows upcoming gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores along the interstate. With a free app called Roadtrippers, you can plan trips directly from the app or from the website and share them with a group. It will also point out tons of interesting attractions and scenic points along your route, in addition to restaurants and hotels.

4. Engage the Kids  – Happy Travels means keeping the kids cheerfully engaged and occupied.

Make sure you pack plenty of snacks, drinks, videos, interactive books and handheld games for your journey. Click here for fun car games from minitime.com (remember the license plate game?) that the entire family will enjoy to help pass the time.

One last tip…

With its newly renovated and industry leading service department, Infiniti of Cool Springs is able to help you make sure your vehicle is ready for a summer road trip — regardless of make and model. Give yourself the peace of mind in knowing a trained service professional has looked over your car and deemed it ‘road trip ready.’ Make an appointment today by calling 888-356-5481.