July 14, 2025
lfsadmin
Road Trip Tips for Your Summer Vacation
With long, sunny days and the kids out of school, summer is the perfect chance to see a bit of our beautiful country. If your vacation plans include hitting the road to explore, a little preparation and planning can make your next road trip comfortable, safe, and fun!
Prep your vehicle
A breakdown on the road is never fun, but it’s even worse when the whole family is packed into the car. Minimize the chance you’ll have a mechanical problem by giving your vehicle a thorough check up. You can do this yourself if you have the know-how, or schedule a safety check with a mechanic. Make sure the following are all in good working order:
- AC system
- Air filters
- Belts and hoses
- Tires (including your spare tire)
- Fluid levels (coolant, oil, power steering, transmission, wiper)
- Battery
- Lights
- Wiper blades
In addition to making sure your vehicle is in top condition, stock an emergency kit just in case, with items that include:
- Tire jack
- Flashlight
- Flares
- Basic tool kit
- Jumper cables
Plan your route
Before you pull out of the driveway, familiarize yourself with your route. What will the weather be like? What kind of road conditions and traffic can you expect? How many hours will you want to drive each day? Can you find places of interest near where you plan to rest and stretch? A little planning here can help you find fun and interesting places to stop rather than just a rest stop or gas station.
Even if you’re exploring, following where the road takes you, it’s a good idea to know where you plan to stop each night. Make reservations before you leave so you’ll always have a place to sleep, especially in popular areas like national and state parks.
Pack some fun
Make the drive more pleasant for everyone by packing snacks, drinks, and entertainment for yourself and the passengers. Fussy passengers can be distracting! Books, puzzles, games, family-friendly apps can help kids pass the time. Download playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts before you go.
Stress safety
Remind everyone to buckle up at all times. Strap kids into appropriate booster or car seats, and never leave them unattended in a vehicle.
Don’t drive distracted. Have a companion help you navigate and take charge of entertaining the rest of the passengers so you can concentrate on the road.
Obey speed limits and rules of the road, especially when driving in crowded or unfamiliar locations. Make sure you can get from destination to destination without rushing.
Refuel when your gas tank is no lower than 1/3 full, especially when you’re not sure when the next gas will be available.
Take regular breaks to stay alert.
Don’t forget car insurance
Whether you’re on a family road trip or just driving around town, make sure your car insurance is up to date. No one wants to have an accident while on vacation, but if that happens, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re covered. Call one of the agents at Lakewood Financial Services if you need a quote for car insurance—as an independent agency, we partner with multiple auto insurance companies in Florida so we can find you the best coverage for the most cost-effective price. Reach us at 941-747-4600, or contact us online.
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