How to Prevent a Roadside Emergency During Your Family Road Trip

9 February 2017
 Categories: , Blog

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Car breakdowns and roadside emergencies can quickly turn an exciting road trip into a disaster. If you are planning on taking a long road trip with your family, it is important to make sure that you remain safe and enjoy every aspect of the journey. You need to take the right measures to avoid situations that can compromise your safety and derail the purpose of your road trip. Here are some of the top precautions that you can take to avoid a roadside emergency during a road trip.

Service your vehicle

If your car hasn't been recently serviced, it increases the chances of falling victim to a roadside emergency. As you plan for the trip, make sure that you carry out a full service for your vehicle. This should include changing the oil and checking all fluids to ensure that they are at the right levels. Also, the car's engine and suspension system should be inspected and any faulty parts repaired. Make sure that the tires and rims are also in good condition.

Take the time to visit your auto service dealer early enough so that you can have sufficient time to address any problems that may arise with your vehicle. Also, if you needed to have repairs done, you will be financially prepared to handle them without jeopardizing the trip.

Make sure tires are properly inflated

Driving a vehicle with low tire pressure can cause sidewall blowouts or even make you lose total control of the vehicle. Check the pressure on all tires a day or two before the trip and ensure that they are properly inflated. You can check your manual for the ideal pressure as per your manufacturer's recommendation. It is wise to have your tire pressure checked by a professional dealer, especially if you don't have the necessary expertise and equipment to do it on your own.

Carry backup car gear

Roadside emergencies can happen at any time even if your vehicle is in good condition. However, there are some situations that you can handle without calling for professional help if you have the necessary tools. These include changing a flat or damaged tire and jumpstarting your engine. As such, make sure that you have an inflated spare tire, a car jack, and jumper cables. Even if you don't have the expertise, it is easy to get another driver to help you if you have the tools.

Finally, it is important to have a towing company that you can call if you are caught in an emergency. Find a reputed emergency towing company and have their contacts at hand so that they can come to your aid if you get stuck by the roadside.