I’m home from my mini-vacation on the farm and back to the world of traffic and computers and waking to an alarm-clock instead of the call and answer of the owls. This week’s posts will all be road-trip related, so buckle your seatbelts and get ready to hit the (green) highway…
Get your motor running...
Before you set off, take the time to get your vehicle in good shape. Not only will you have a safer journey, you’ll save gas AND money!
Make sure your engine is properly tuned and maintained. Check your oil, spark plugs, oxygen sensors, air filters, hoses and belts. Make any necessary repairs and adjustments before embarking on your adventure.
Have your wheels aligned and keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure is not only a safety hazard, it wastes gasoline. You can actually increase your car’s gas milage by over 3% just by properly inflating the tires! See your owner’s manual for recommended tire-inflation.
Plan, plan, plan...
Setting off into unknown territory is part of the fun of any adventure. Getting lost, however, can take the fun out of the trip when you find yourself going many, many kilometers out of your way.
In order to avoid wasting precious gas and time, plan out your route well in advance and have maps handy for last-minute detours and diversions. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to your destinations to check operating hours, etc. Being spontaneous is fun, yes, but have you ever driven an extra-hour for an impromptu treat and arrived only to find that the ice-cream shop is closed for the season? Trust me, it’s an instant joy-kill.
A GPS navigation system is a great way to stay on-course, but pack “old fashioned” maps just in case. I have heard many stories of GPS units directing drivers into cornfields and up long-abandoned roads.
There are a number of web-based trip planners that you can use to make the most of your journey. I like http://www.freetrip.com/ and good ol’ Google Maps. If, like me, you are a member of an auto club, you can let them do your planning for you. CAA also provides members with free maps and travel guides. http://www.caa.ca
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