Summer is coming closer, so it is the perfect time to start planning a road trip with your friends or family. Why did the tire go on a road trip? To get some rotation and see the world! That is why getting your car out for a summer road trip is so important! Road trips can be one of the best and most flexible travel methods. Having your own vehicle to explore a new place can make your journey more personalized and spontaneous. Piling up with your family and friends to explore a new place can be fun! With these helpful tips, we can help you be more prepared and ready for a safe and adventurous journey. 

Start planning earlier rather than later.

As May approaches, it's time to start planning your summer road trips! While staying flexible can be important when planning your road trip, reserving things ahead of time can be beneficial. Campsites fill up more each year, making finding a camp or accommodation last minute more difficult. If you want to visit a national park like Yosemite and stay in one of its historic lodges, you'll want to make reservations as soon as possible. But if you're trying to stay extra flexible, you'll likely be able to find hotel vacancies as needed, but booking even a few days ahead can help provide peace of mind and a cozy bed to look forward to.

Take advantage of online tools.

Among the wide range of apps, websites, maps, guidebooks, and other tools for road-trippers, here are some of our favorites.

Google Maps. Google Maps is a free phone app and website where drivers can select a starting point and a destination and receive automatically generated step-by-step driving directions. This tool can be super helpful, especially when driving in unfamiliar places. The app also allows you to choose routes to avoid tolls or highways, add detours, identify sights, avoid traffic jams, and more. 

Roadtrippers.com For an even more complete and focused tool, consider the free Roadtrippers website and app, which discusses millions of road trip routes in depth. 

Other apps. Once on the road, consider HotelTonight, when you need last-minute lodging deals; Waze for traffic and road condition updates; and Spotify for music and podcasts to keep you entertained while on the road.

Prep your vehicle

Car maintenance should be one of your top priorities when planning your summer road trip. Preparing your vehicle before your road trip can save you stress and money. Having your car serviced a week or two before your road trip can be beneficial in the long run. Servicing your vehicle can quickly determine what you need to have fixed on the car. Most breakdowns can be prevented by servicing your car before heading on your way.

Pack a roadside emergency kit.

When packing for your road trip, an emergency kit should be on your list. Make sure to Bring your license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents. But also don't forget an extra map, cell phone charger, a small amount of cash and coins for tolls, first aid kit, jumper cables, spare tire and tire-repair kit, one gallon per person of potable water, and a small cooler with nonperishable snacks.

Be realistic

The distance you can cover during a road trip varies by individual needs and capabilities and how many detours and stops you want to include. While It can be suggested to have a prepared schedule for traveling, be relaxed, and don't plan every minute of your day. You never know when you will find a surprising place that grabs your attention. Stop at a random market, spend an extra hour looking at flowers, or unexpectedly stop at a yummy restaurant. Occasionally, these stops make the best memories and break up the drive. Allow time in your schedule for the unexpected.

Don't overdo it

Sometimes you may feel as if you want to go go go and keep on driving, but drowsy driving can be dangerous. You typically need at least seven hours of sleep nightly to keep the daytime driving nods at bay. Again, much depends on circumstances and personal preferences and tolerances. It would help if you planned to take a rest from driving every hour or so. You don't need to just stop for restroom breaks and gas. Get out and stretch your legs on a nice walk. Getting up and walking can help with circulation and keep you from getting sleepy when driving.

Planning a road trip can be stressful initially, but planning and being prepared can save you from unneeded stress in the long run. 

If you are preparing for a summer road trip with your friends or family and need any service on your vehicle, call us today. Regular keeping up with vehicle maintenance is generally less expensive than dealing with a significant repair due to a lack of upkeep. If you need spring maintenance, schedule an appointment with John’s Automotive Care El Cajon to ensure your vehicle is in trusted hands. Visit us at https://www.johnsautomotivecareelcajon.com/. We are here to help you with all of your auto repair needs! Call us today or online, so we can take great care of you and your vehicle with our expert ASE-Certified auto mechanics.