Whether you’re planning to hit the beach, go sightseeing, or go camping and hiking outdoors, taking a road trip is a pleasant way to travel and spend time with your loved ones. But while it may sound like an exciting adventure, what some people don’t realize is that it also requires careful preparations to avoid mishaps along the way. Flat On The Spot Mobile Tire Service, a tire shop in Anchorage, AK, lists a few ideas before you head off.

Tire Shop Explains How to Prepare for an Upcoming Road Trip

1. Plan Ahead

Long car trips can be tedious, so finalize the routes you will take to avoid unnecessary detours. Plan for meal stops and driving breaks and have the latest map on hand as a backup. Determine the weather for the day of the trip as well in case you need to take extra safety precautions, especially with potentially hazardous road conditions.

2. Perform a Pre-Trip Checkup

One factor that can put a damper on your road trip is sudden car trouble that may leave you stranded. Ensure your vehicle is road-worthy by performing preventive maintenance on the engine, fluids, battery, and brakes, among others. Visit a tire shop to have your wheels realigned, rotated, and balanced for a smoother ride.

3. Bring an Emergency Kit

Aside from the essential first aid kit, you should also prepare emergency items, such as flashlights, warning lights, hazard triangles, a toolkit with screwdrivers and pliers, tire tools, spare tires, and jumper cables for quick car fixes on the roadside. Make sure you have food, water, blankets, a phone charger, and flares as well, in case you get stranded. 

4. Pack Well

A day prior to your trip, have your items packed and loaded inside the vehicle. To avoid forgetting anything, make a checklist you can tick off. Don’t overload your vehicle, which may result in busted tires or reduced gas mileage, and remember to stow your heaviest baggage at the bottom to maintain the car’s center of gravity. 

Have your tires checked and green-lighted for a long road trip by visiting Flat On The Spot Mobile Tire Service. Whether you need brake service or oil changes, the experienced technicians at this trusted tire shop can help maintain your vehicle. Call (907) 242-0086 for mobile tire service, or visit them online to learn more about how they can help.