3 Ways To Get Your Car Vacation Ready

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Hoorah! Summer is on the way, and with it comes vacation time. And if you're using your car for a road trip, driving it to the airport, or simply using it for the occasional family day trip, you should start to get your car ready early.

Here are some useful tips for you.

#1: Ensure your car is well-maintained

If your car suffers a breakdown, or worse, gets involved in an accident, then whatever you are doing during your vacation time might be cut short. To keep your family safe on the road, and to ensure your car doesn't have a meltdown under the summer sun, then you need to make sure your car is fit for purpose.

Two things to look out for are your tires and windscreen. Especially when driving in hot conditions, both can be affected by the temperature. The hot surfaces of the roads can cause your tires to blow if air pressure is low or they already have signs of wear and tear. And should your windshield already have a chip in it, know that the damage can spread when the glaring heat of the sun causes your glass to expand. Replace your tires if necessary, and replace or repair your windscreen with the services of AGD or similar if you notice any damage. 

You might also take your car to your local garage for professional advice and a service. Especially when you're not particularly car-savvy, they will make sure your car is ready for your summer vacation.

#2: Start loading your car with your emergency supplies

In the event of an emergency, you might struggle to cope if you have forgotten something vital, so start loading your car ahead of any journey you take to ensure you have everything you need to hand. 

Emergency supplies should include anything that will help you should your car break down. As examples, you should bring jumper cables, something to inflate your tires, a flashlight so you can see in the dark, flares, and the necessary fluids for your car. You should also pack blankets and spare warm clothes to keep you and your family warm should you be stranded overnight, and plenty of water to keep everybody hydrated. Remember your phone charger too, as you might need to get in touch with the police and a breakdown service should your car suffer a fault. 

Another important item is a first-aid kit. This should include everything you need in the event of an accident or injury, as well as items for sun protection and insect bites. You should also include any medications that are relevant to you and your family.

#3: Get your car ready for fun 

Finally, and especially if you are going on a long car trip, you need to have plenty of entertainment items for you and your family. This might include music CD's (if you're going old-school) or added playlists to your phone if you are able to connect it to your car. You should pack books and magazines into your car too, as well as travel games, be they something you purchase from the store, or a list of those games which might only need a few pens and pieces of paper to play, such as hangman and tic-tac-toe. You might also install a DVD player in your car, as this can give your kids hours of pleasure as they watch their favorite family movies. Add as many entertainment ideas to your car as possible, as this way, you will avoid those insufferable two words, 'I'm bored' from your children.

We hope you have a wonderful summer vacation!