Warm weather is perfect for trips, whether you’re going to another urban destination or just nature travelling. A good vehicle and reliable tires are necessary to safely transport passengers, withstand the luggage weight, and ensure a safe driving experience on the road and off-road terrain surfaces.
SUVs or Sport Utility Vehicles are perfect for these on- and off-road journeys. They provide lots of space for passengers, pets, luggage, and other equipment, ensuring great comfort. The higher ground clearance enhances the performance of SUVs on different surfaces while their strength enables them to handle towing, guaranteeing diverse trip options.
Preparation
Before going on a long-distance journey, it’s important to make sure your SUV is safe and ready for it. Here are some elements to check:
- Inspect brakes to make sure they are functional, after all, safety comes first.
- Mount the right tires that can handle the terrain and the weather of your destination.
- Fluid check is a must to ensure smooth operation of your SUV.
- Make sure to correctly install car seats, since we don’t want to endanger the children.
- Trips can be unpredictable, so it is a good idea to carry an emergency kit with you.
- Pre–trip packing is also important, as you don’t want to forget something crucial.
Brake inspection
Faulty brakes lead to a disaster, which you can prevent by checking the entire brake system. This includes the brake pedal, brake fluid, brake lines and hoses, and the brake assemblies.
The entire system must function correctly because nobody wants to partake in the Final Destination franchise in real life with their family. So, check if you need to replace brake pads and other elements, as braking is a crucial part of driving that needs to be functional.
Choosing the right tires for the family car
Not a single trip can happen without adequate tires. They are your contact with the driving surface, so they should maintain constant traction while enabling good handling. Temperature changes and regional weather also impact your tire choice.
You can eliminate this factor if you opt for tires that provide true year-round traction and safety. This online tire shop offers the best all weather tires for SUV vehicles at affordable prices, thanks to various seasonal discounts.
Fluid checks
Optimal fluid levels are integral, especially if you’re going on a trip, since they play a huge role in almost every aspect of your SUV:
- Engine oil helps maintain engine efficiency, by lubricating its parts that are subject to friction.
- Coolant prevents engine failures related to overheating, since saying “keep calm” or “chill out” to our SUVs won’t do a thing.
- Power steering fluid enables easier turning of the steering wheel.
- Brake fluid ensures the safe and efficient operation of your brakes.
- Transmission fluid lubricates the gears and bearings, enabling smooth gear shifts.
- Windshield washer fluid helps clean the windshield, offering better visibility.
To maintain the optimal performance of your SUV, it’s in your best interest to make sure these fluids are sufficiently filled.
Car seat installation tips
Family trips often involve kids. Here are some hints to help you with car seat installation and ensure their safety:
- Read the owner manuals carefully for both your vehicle and your car seat to find out where you can put it and what method you can use to secure it.
- Typically, the back seat is the safest place for children.
- Keep an eye on the car seat’s LATCH weight limits, as a child can outgrow it.
- Know the direction you are installing the car seat (rear-facing or forward-facing) and the angle it needs to be installed at.
- Secure car seats using the vehicle seat belt or LATCH (lower anchor and tethers for children) – both options are safe, but don’t use them both at the same time.
- Do the inch test – a properly installed car seat shouldn’t move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back when pulled.
- If you need help installing a car seat, call a car seat technician.
Emergency kit essentials
While everyone wants their trips to go perfectly without any problems, sometimes it’s just not possible. For this reason, it’s necessary to carry some essential items to help you overcome unexpected situations. Fortunately, SUVs are spacious enough to help you carry all you might need.
Having a car maintenance kit and a tire repair kit, allows you to quickly address an issue and get back on the road.
A first aid kit helps you treat minor injuries at the spot. Add any medicine you might have for personal medications or allergy treatments.
Utility items such as flashlights, multitools, blankets, and water bottles can help you overcome emergencies easily.
Pre-trip packing
Before you hit the road, double-check if you have all the necessary documents. Choose clothes and footwear according to the weather conditions at your destination. Don’t forget personal care items, electric devices, and other essentials such as travel pillows and snacks that you might need.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to keep in mind while getting ready for a trip in your SUV, but safety should always come first. Check your vehicle before any trip to ensure it’s operational. High quality tires are necessary to ensure safe driving, as they are your only contact with the road. Correctly install car seats and do not forget to bring with you essentials like first aid, tire repair, and car maintenance kits and other utility items, which can come in handy during your travels.