The open road is one of the great pleasures of travel. The windows are down, the playlist is just right and the next stop is hours away. It is also where a small oversight can turn into a very long afternoon. A tire that was a little low, a gas gauge you thought would hold or a phone that suddenly shows no bars can strand you in the middle of nowhere. Here are seven road trip mistakes that can leave you stuck, and how to avoid every one.
1. Skipping the Tire Check
Tires are the first thing to look at before a long drive. Check the tire pressure and the tread on every tire. Low pressure and worn tread are a real risk on long stretches, and a quick look before you leave costs you only a few minutes. Many gas stations have an air pump, and a simple pressure gauge is inexpensive.
2. Ignoring the Fluids
Before you head out, check the fluids under the hood. Oil, coolant and other basics matter more when the car is going to work hard for hours. If you are not sure how to check them, ask a trusted mechanic or a handy family member to show you. A short visit to a repair shop before a big trip can be a smart investment.
3. Not Knowing About the Spare and the Jack
Many drivers assume there is a spare tire in the trunk and never look. Open the trunk and confirm that the spare is there and in good shape, and that the jack and tools are there too. It is a lot easier to find out now than on the shoulder of a quiet highway.
4. Forgetting the Phone Charger
Your phone may be your map, your music and your lifeline. A dead battery makes every other problem worse. Bring a car charger, keep it plugged in and consider a backup way to charge if your trip is long. Treat the charger like a travel essential, right next to your wallet.
5. No Emergency Kit
A basic emergency kit gives you peace of mind. Keep it in the car so it is ready when you need it, and look it over before each long trip to make sure everything is still there and still works. If you do not have one, many stores sell ready made kits, or you can build your own with items you have at home.
6. Trusting Your Phone Signal Too Much
Rural stretches can leave you without service for a while, just when you need directions or help the most. Do not rely only on your phone signal. Before you leave, review your route, and write down the key turns and stops or bring a paper map. Let someone know your plan and your expected arrival time so they can check in if you go quiet. A backup plan is not old fashioned. It is smart.
7. Letting the Tank Run Low
Gas stations can be few and far between on certain roads. Fill up before a long gap between stations, and do not push your luck to save a few minutes. Running out of fuel is an easy mistake to prevent, and it can be an expensive and frustrating one.
The Money Side of Being Prepared
Getting stranded is not only stressful. It can cost you money. A tow, a missed hotel reservation, a wasted day and a rushed repair in a place you do not know can easily cost more than a few careful preparations at home. A little time spent checking your car before you go is among the cheapest travel insurance there is.
A Simple Pre Trip Routine
Pick a day or two before your departure and run through this list:
- Check tire pressure and tread on every tire.
- Look over the fluids, or have a mechanic do it.
- Confirm the spare tire and jack are in the car.
- Pack a phone charger and an emergency kit.
- Plan your route with a backup that does not need a signal.
- Fill the tank before long gaps between stations.
Plan for the Unexpected
Even a well prepared driver can have a bad day, so think ahead about what you would do if something goes wrong. Know who you would call, keep important phone numbers written down in case your phone is unavailable, and pack a little water and a snack. If trouble strikes, pull over to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights and stay calm. A clear head is the best tool in any kit.
It also pays to leave a little extra time in your schedule. Rushing is what leads people to skip checks and push past the gas station they should have stopped at. A relaxed pace makes every other tip on this list easier to follow.
Do these things and you can enjoy the drive instead of worrying about it. Road trips are meant to make memories, and the best ones are the ones where the only surprise is a great little diner or a beautiful view around the next bend.
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