INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Mission, TX | (956) 458-9399

OUR BLOG

6/8/2017
Road trips make for an amazing adventure and can be a great experience. However, they can also be dangerous in more ways than you think. This article can help you stay safe and sane as you drive.

How to Stay Safe and Sane During a Road Trip

When it comes to going on a road trip, whether it's with your family or your friends, there is always an air of excitement which surrounds it. And this is great! It helps to keep the vibes positive and the trip enjoyable. However, without careful planning, these vibes can quickly turn bad, leaving you in a vehicle with a group of angry people who keep asking "ARE WE THERE YET?" To help you avoid such a situation, Oils RGV has some great tips to keep in mind.

Prepare Your Passengers

Despite what you might think, simply jumping in the car and heading off on an adventure isn't as easy as that. Well, not if you want to arrive with your sanity. Here are the best ways to prepare yourself and your passengers for the journey:
  • Plan your route, including the time you will leave and arrive. This is the best way to ensure that you can plan to get a good night (or day) sleep before you have to drive.
  • Use this route plan to decide which passenger will swap to driver duties during each part. Remember, the purpose of other drivers in the car is to use them - don't stretch your driving too long.
  • This map will also help you to find places interesting where you can swap drivers and also stretch your legs for a few minutes and take any bathroom breaks you and your passengers may need.
  • Be sure that you and your passengers consider any and all snacks they might like along the journey, and pack it! This might mean a trip to the store the night before or along the way; whichever it is, make the stop and stock up!
  • Travel games aren't just for children, and they aren't solely linked to your mobile device. Small handheld games can be great ways for passengers to keep their energy levels up and lighten any negative moods.
  • Have each driver and passenger create a playlist full of music they enjoy listening to. Pair this with the rule that whoever is driving controls the music.
These are all great tips that can help you and your passengers to arrive at your destination in a good mood and not wanting to take a separate vacation from each other! Of course, once your passengers are taken care of, it's time to pay some attention to your vehicle. Click here to buy AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil which is great for keeping your vehicle in good condition as you drive to your vacation destination. If you aren't sure this is the best suited synthetic oil for your engine, don't hesitate to give Oils RGV a call at (956) 458-9399 and speak with an expert about your engine oil needs or visit the online store for more information.

Prepare Your Car

Now that your passengers are happy, let's ensure that your car joins in on the good vibes with some basic checks to perform before you drive, such as the following:

Safety Items

If any of your seat belts are frayed; securing mechanisms broken, or your windshield wipers are cracked, fix it! The last thing that you should do is drive a vehicle that does not have working safety features.

Engine Lubricant

Don't leave it until you are stuck on the side of the road with a warning light flashing at you; top up your engine fluid right now! If you don't have any left, buy a new bottle, fill up your reserve, and then take the remainder with you for the journey.

All Other Fluids

There are a number of other fluids such as your brake fluid, water/coolant, transmission oil, etc. which, although less important than your engine oil, can also spell trouble. Use your owner's manual to find out any and all fluids that your car uses and be sure they're topped up.

Tire Pressure

Most motorists are unaware of the impact the correct tire pressure has on their drive and their fuel economy. Before you head off, check the pressure in your tires and be sure it matches your manufacturer's recommendations or the terrain that you are able to drive on.

Tire Condition

The last thing that you want to encounter along the journey is a blown tire. Unfortunately, this can happen to anybody, anywhere. The best way to prevent this from happening on your road trip is to take a good look at the condition of your tires. If you can see any nicks or chunks that have been taken out by road debris, replace the tire before you leave.

Keep Your Engine Running Smoother for Longer With a Synthetic Oil Change Mission, TX

The above-mentioned tips are great ways to keep your vehicle and your passengers running at their best throughout your journey and can help you all to arrive safely and sanely. If you aren't sure about any of the fluids that your owner's manual is telling you to top up, instead of taking a guess, speak with somebody who knows what they're talking about. Give Oils RGV a call at (956) 458-9399 and speak about the make and model of your vehicle. A synthetic oil change expert can make sure that you get the right product for your needs to keep your vehicle in the best shape for your next road trip.