2020 was an odd year, indeed. Not only was the world gripped by an invisible threat but life as we all knew it changed. Toilet paper became a rare commodity, hugs were replaced by Zoom calls, and children did pushups in their living rooms, instead of playing kick ball, on the field, at school. Travel came to a standstill and for the most part, cars were left alone, in driveways and garages, used only for the occasional, necessary trip to the grocery store.
Now, armed with vaccines, and promises that life will get back to normal soon, 2021 is turning out to be the prom queen, to 2020’s wallflower. What does this mean for the average person? It means that domestic highways, and byways, are opening up, and those long-sitting vehicles that have gone relatively unused for so long, can once again transport us to all of the places we missed last year.
Prepare to explore places such as Grandma and Grandpa’s house, Yellowstone, Route 1 along the east coast, and Route 66, the iconic road cutting through the center of the country. Virtually nothing is off limits which is exhilarating and exciting. That said this new freedom forces us to re-evaluate the safety of the cars and trucks, once idle for months, to ensure that they will get us to these exquisite destinations.
With a whopping 9.54 million square miles to cover in North America, it makes sense that you would want to be sure that your vehicle is ready for any climatic situation. From the deserts in the American southwest, frigid temperatures in the north, and oppressive humidity in the south, vehicles may not respond as humans do, to variations in temperature. Vehicles, like people, are certainly affected. Urban and rural driving wears on a vehicle differently, also, making it necessary for regular brake, steering, and fluid checks.
What cars are considered the most reliable, the most comfortable, and the most cost-effective? When looking to purchase a new vehicle, there are many options to consider. 2020 did not provide much incentive for car shopping, as individuals had much more pressing issues to prioritize. But now that the road is open again, and that call for adventure is like a whisper on the wind, it is time to re-prioritize things like safety, confidence, and reliability in your vehicle.
Piling everyone into the family car and heading off down the road has been the American mindset since the invention of the gas-powered vehicle well over a century ago. The classic road trip symbolizes freedom and youthful spirit with the intention of bonding over shared experiences, in new and exciting places.
Preparing for the trip should must include a vehicle check-up to be as sure as you can that you won’t be left stranded when you’re far from home.
Road-Ready Vehicle Checklist
- Check the windshield wiper blades – Make sure that they aren’t torn or broken. Remember the back wipers, too!
- Check all fluids – Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. Be sure to check the brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, radiator fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, etc.
- Is your spare tire packed and ready to go? A full-sized tire works best if you’re able to fit it in your car. Consider if you’ll need to drive far for a replacement, or not.
- Check the tires – Remember, they should have the proper pressure, (you can find that number in your car manual, or inside the driver’s side door frame), good tread, and they should be properly aligned. If the car is veering to one side, get the alignment checked. Also, they should be free of cracks, fissures, tears, and obvious penetrations.
- Do the brakes work properly? Are the brakes stopping the vehicle at the appropriate car lengths, for the speed you are traveling? Are they making chattering, squeaks, or clunking noises? If there’s any question at all, get a mechanic to evaluate their performance.
The Ultimate Road Ready Insurance
Focusing on the checklist captioned above and even taking your ride to a trusted mechanic is a great idea when you’re preparing for a road trip of any distance. But, while these technicians make certain that the vehicle is sound at the beginning of your journey, there is no guarantee that your car will remain that way for the entirety of your adventure.
Freeway Insurance will help ensure that you are providing safety for your family, and coverage for your vehicle, for the length of your trip. Exceptional customer service, and nationwide availability only enhances the value of their affordable rates, and devotion to their clients.
It’s hard to answer the call for adventure and not have some level of risk involved but when it comes to your vehicle’s coverage, why chance it? Let yourself fully embrace 2021, and the travel boom that has emerged from our long year of isolation. Do this with the pride and security of knowing that car maintenance and excellent insurance coverage will now provide the ultimate pathway, to memory-making-moments you’ve been dreaming of during these seeming endless, months of patient vigilance, and mitigation. Roll down the windows, open the moon roof, and enjoy the ride.
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