Though the country is still grappling with the intense tropical heat, it’s going to be monsoon season before you know it.
This is why now is your last chance to gear up for the summer season road adventure before the roads get slick, wet, and dangerous.
But before you grab your sunscreen and car keys, here are a few things to do to make sure that you’ll have a smooth, hassle-free and worry-free drive.
1. Plan your itinerary/route
Planning helps you maximize and enjoy your precious vacation time.
Book your accommodations ahead and know the best route to take. Also, make a schedule of all the things you want to do and follow it.
That way, you won’t miss out on anything since you have everything listed down. It will also be helpful to know your pit stops.
Gasoline stations are the best places to take a breather from the long drive and grab a quick bite.
Caltex have plenty of stations along various highways where you can park your vehicle, eat, have a bathroom break, check on your car, or simply take a rest.
2. Get your cars checked
An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.
Make sure that your cars are in tip top shape before hitting the road. You wouldn’t want to encounter any difficulties on the road, would you?
Check your car’s brakes, water, lights, fluids, tires, and gas before you start your journey. According to experts from Chevron Philippines, Inc., it is best to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic a week before you head on out, go to a repair shop and have your trusted mechanic check your car.
For best results, tune up with Havoline to experience the four pillars of protection it provides on your car’s investment, engine performance, fuel economy, as well as the environment.
Havoline’s unique formula is with Deposit Shield Technology that coats the engine, protecting it from unwanted fuel deposits, allowing the engine to maximize its power, lessen fuel consumption and emission, thus preserving your engine’s long life.
With Havoline motor oils, you are guaranteed to have a relaxed, smooth, hassle-free, and worry-free journey.
3. Check your spare tire
Apart from making sure your car is in its best shape for a road trip adventure, you also need to check on your spare tire.
You wouldn’t want to look for a vulcanizing shop in the middle of nowhere.
And of course, it would be much better if you know how to change the tire yourself, so have a friendly mechanic at the nearest Caltex station show you how.
4. Prepare basic tool kits
Yes, your car is in tip top shape as well as your spare tire, but always remember to bring your tools or repair kits with you. Make sure they are in good condition.
A quick tip, if your vehicle is not yet up for tune up, you may bring Havoline products such as motor oils, lubricants, and brake fluids with you because you never know when you need one.
Just make sure that they are properly sealed to protect them from dirt and water.
They should also be in a secured place away from flame, direct heat, or high temperature, and of course, not within reach of children
5. Bring first aid kit
Better safe than sorry. Check out that glove compartment and see if you have your first aid kit there with you.
Make sure all the medicines are not expired. If they are, have them replaced right away.
6. Know the emergency hotlines
Again, before heading out on that road trip, make sure you know the relevant emergency hotlines.
Contact details such as the police, hospitals or rescue groups, as well as towing and car battery delivery services.
7. Pack smart
When you’re going on a road trip, you want to be comfortable in the car and not have bags all over you.
Bring only what you need for your trip and learn how to maximize your bag’s space.
There are a lot of packing tips you can find on the Internet today, so take time to read or watch a few before packing up.
8. Stay charged
Keep your phones’ and gadgets’ batteries full before your road trip. You never know when you’re going to use it to communicate with someone, access an essential travel app, or capture a precious moment during your holiday.
Also, don’t forget to bring your chargers with you.
9. Kid prep
One of the challenges of going on long rides is managing the kids. If you have kids with you, keep them entertained with games and/or activities that they can do in the car.
Bring books to read, markers, crayons and a pad for them to draw on, or a portable DVD player or tablet where they can watch their favorite movies or shows.
Preschoolers love games such as counting how many red cars they see along the way.
Prepare Individual separate surprise packs and snack sacks. It also helps to let the kids know how many hours are they expected to travel.
10. Bring travel food
Keep your travel food light and easy to eat like sandwiches and veggie sticks.
Also, make sure they are properly packed and placed away from heat to avoid spoilage. Place your food packages in coolers if you have one with you.
If you can, do away with full meals as they can be messy to eat and may upset your stomach since you’re moving while eating.
11. Keep safe
Safety first!
Before hitting the road, check the weather to see if you need to bring umbrellas and raincoats, or bring weather-appropriate clothing.
While on the road, be sure to buckle up and keep an eye on your gauges and road signs to avoid any inconveniences.
Now, keep these tips in mind to help you get ready for your last hurrah this season!