10 Tips for a Smooth-Sailing Weekend Getaway
10 Tips for a Smooth-Sailing Weekend Getaway
Published on February 23, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
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Going on a road trip is always fun. Whether you plan the weekend getaway alone with your family or simply gang up with your friends, there is always a lot to look forward to. However, to get the most out of your trip and make it as enjoyable as possible, you need to prepare well and ensure you and your car is ready for the road trip.
Car health tips to spend a wonderful weekend
1. Perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle
First and foremost, get the vehicle thoroughly checked and evaluated. Your car needs to be working perfectly without any flaws whatsoever. Take your car to the garage and ask your mechanic to check the engine, the brakes and all the other important parts of the car. The car needs to be in the best shape for your road trip to be safe as well as hassle-free.
2. Inspect the batteries
The batteries of the car should be checked. Ensure they are charging well and have sufficient water and other liquids. You need the battery for various things and the last thing you would want is to get stranded on the highway due to a flat battery!
3. Inspect the tyres
The tires help your car to move smoothly, so ensure there are no cuts, punctures or bulges on any tire. Get the air pressure checked on every tire. Additionally, keep a properly inflated spare tire in the car just to avoid any unforeseen incident while driving.
4. Ensure that the brake pads are in excellent condition
A fault in the brake pad can be catastrophic while on a road trip. To avoid that, all you have to do is get the vehicle’s brake pad evaluated before leaving. Ask the mechanic to check the brake oils and also to ensure the pedals work properly.
5. Keep your tool bag, first-aid kit, and other required materials with you
Even after your best efforts, misfortune can strike and you can end up stranded on the road! At such a time, you may need some emergency supplies such as food, water, blankets, etc. Carry a small emergency kit with all the required materials. Also, remember to pack a first-aid kit. Apart from this, carry a fully-stocked tool kit to help you out during an emergency.
6. Pack wisely
A weekend getaway is a short trip and perhaps you will be spending a majority of your time on the road. So, do not unnecessarily burden your car with heavy luggage bags. Carry the basic things and pack wisely. This will surely make your trip better and more fruitful.
7. Install a GPS device on your vehicle
While you will have the map app on your phone, you should also install a proper GPS device on your car. There is nothing worse than getting lost on a road trip. You don't have a lot of time since it's just a weekend getaway, so be aware of where you’re and that will help save a lot of your time and effort.
8. Carry your driver's license and automobile documents with you
Vehicle Checking is very common these days more so on highways. So when you are travelling on a road trip, you may be asked to pull over and show all the documents. Keep your driver’s license with you. Also, have all the documents of the car such as the RC book, insurance documents, PUC certificates, etc handy so that the checking is done smoothly and you can carry on with the journey in a simple manner.
9. Be ready for anything at any moment
From unexpected bad weather to a roadblock due to a political rally to a hot coffee spillage inside the car - anything can happen on a road trip and you need to be adequately prepared for it. Keep your emergency supplies handy. Take stock of all the hotels and rest houses that are along the route. Also, speak to your insurer and see how well and to what extent you can make use of the roadside assistance coverage. It helps to have riders such as roadside assistance car insurance and the zero depreciation car insurance add-on cover when going for long road trips.
10. Be cautious
And last but not the least; be very cautious and careful when driving. Never engage in drunk driving, racing or over speeding when on a road trip. Also, refrain from offering lifts to hitchhikers as criminals often disguise themselves as hitchhikers and then attack. Be careful and stay safe as that will allow you to make the trip very memorable.
Conclusion
Keep the points mentioned above in mind your weekend getaway will be extremely smooth and memorable. Whether you're going on a short trip to a nearby hill station or you wish to drive for the majority of the time, the above-mentioned tips will be of great help to you. Check your car insurance cover too and if possible, get a zero depreciation car insurance add-on cover attached to the policy to stay suitably covered.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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