Snap Dog’s Tips for Spring Road Trip Prep

Travelers will head out of town for spring break travel over the next two weeks, and Snap Dog has some tips to help you hit the open road in style and safety!

Check your spare tire. Make sure it is aired up and in good condition. If you drive an older vehicle, check to see if the spare is expired. As crazy as it sounds, if you bought your car used, make sure your spare actually hits the car. Some dealers will throw a spear in with the vehicle upon sale if the original spare has been misplaced, but this can mean a spare that doesn’t actually fit your car. (This may have happened to someone we know.) While you’re thinking about it, make sure your tire iron and jack are actually IN your car.

Get some air. Cars with under-inflated tires get poorer fuel efficiency and can contribute to a tire blow out or an accident. Make sure your tires are not over or under-inflated for safe and efficient travel. You’ll find the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure on a sticker on the driver doorjamb or in your car’s owners’ manual.

Buy new windshield wiper blades so you are prepared for spring storms. Wiper blades get brittle in cold weather and should be replaced every six months to a year depending on how much exposure they’ve gotten to the weather. Buy the best blades you can afford. Keeping your wiper blades gliding smoothly across your windshield is the single best way to avoid scratches in the glass, which are a hassle to repair. Additionally, poor visibility through the windshield can contribute to a vehicle accident.

Get clean. No matter what you drive, we believe it’s always more enjoyable when it’s clean. Prior to hitting the open road, make your car a more pleasant place to be. Visit Snap Clean for a professional wash and wax. Get the best wash you can afford. While you’re here, vacuum, dust and clean out the map pockets, cup holders, ashtrays and consoles. Use a dust control cleaner on interior surfaces. Then, keep a a few small garbage bags in your car to keep the road trip clutter to a minimum while traveling.

Don’t forget to stop by Snap Clean after your trip for a post-vacation bug-guts-eliminating powerful wash! Bon voyage!