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Are You Ready to Hit the Road? How to Prepare Your RV, Car, or Motorcycle
A road trip is a fantastic way to explore your surroundings while getting from A to B. Although it may take you longer to reach your final destination than it would if you took a different mode of transportation, a road trip offers distinct advantages. You can explore rural areas you'd otherwise miss, for example, and you won't have to rely on train, plane, or bus schedules. You can structure your adventure however you want.
That said, advanced planning is essential, especially if you're traveling with a non-traditional vehicle like an RV or motorcycle. Mechanics on Wheelz invites you to read on for more tips on how to prepare your RV, motorcycle, or car for your next road trip.
Get Your Vehicle Serviced
The last thing you want is to deal with emergency breakdowns mid-roadtrip. Get your vehicle checked out by a professional beforehand to ensure no replacement parts or repairs are needed. For RV owners, a pre-trip service might include checking the battery, venting, and cooling unit. A motorcycle tuneup might involve checking tires, chains, and brake pads. Cars likewise should have basics like oil and brake fluid levels checked before departure.
If life is a little hectic and you can’t seem to get your vehicle into the shop, look for a mobile mechanic’s service like Mechanics on Wheelz. They can come to your house or office and take care of your vehicle while you get your work done.
Pack Essential Safety Gear in Case of Accidents
Safety is a primary concern when heading on a road trip. Getting your vehicle serviced before you leave is helpful but doesn't guarantee that you won't run into trouble. Pack an emergency kit so you're prepared in case of accidents. The National Safety Council has a list of 9-1-1 items to include in your car, which you can adapt for other vehicles like RVs and motorcycles as needed. For cars, the NSC recommends packing items like a flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, and drinking water, for example. Also a fast-charging car charger can keep your wireless devices powered up in case of emergency.
You should also check into your homeowner’s insurance to see about coverage. Some towable campers are covered by home and auto insurance, and your RV may be covered when it is parked on your property. It’s best to know your coverage and be prepared before you hit the road, so you know your options if something happens.
Create a Basic Tune-Up Toolkit
You may be able to handle some mechanical problems on the road yourself — provided you've packed the right tools. Your toolkit needs to be tailored to the type of vehicle you're driving. For example, if you have a motorcycle, you may want spare bulbs for your taillights and headlamp. That said, you can't handle every repair yourself.
Many car insurance policies offer roadside assistance. Most states require drivers to carry at least basic insurance, but you may think that a better policy is simply not in your budget. While good coverage does come at a price, you can shop around. Insurance is a competitive field, and many companies offer a variety of discounts for things like being a good driver, being a student, or banking at particular places. Or you can handle the roadside assistance as a separate thing if it ends up being more affordable. Just make sure to have the information on hand before you leave for your trip. AAA provides special assistance for unique vehicles like RVs.
Load Up on Cleaning Supplies
A road trip can wreak havoc on your vehicle, inside and out. You don't want to be uncomfortable because your RV, car or motorcycle is dirty. Bring along some basic cleaning supplies to keep tidy. If you're driving an RV, household cleaning goods like paper towels and antibacterial solutions will help you keep essential areas like the kitchen clean. A car vacuum is a great investment, allowing you to quickly remove crumbs.
A road trip is a one-of-a-kind adventure that will result in meaningful memories — especially if you're using alternative transportation like an RV or motorcycle. Just make sure to take the time to plan ahead and prepare your vehicle before you leave. This will ensure a safe, smooth, and fun journey.
Before you hit the road, let us check out your vehicle. Mechanics on Wheelz offers stellar service and we come to you! Visit us online to learn more and to schedule your appointment.
Article by: Kurt Brown kurtb@traveltiptank.com
Categories:Maintenance
Tags:mobile mechanic , RV repair , automotive repair
All Rights Reserved | Mechanics on Wheelz, LLC
All Rights Reserved | Mechanics on Wheelz