Dodge Road Trip Disasters With Brake Repair and Common Sense

A road trip can be a fun and exciting adventure as long as the travelers aren't too caught up in the fun and excitement to take a few precautions before pulling out the driveway. Taking a few things into consideration can help ensure you and your friends or family have a great, hassle-free trip.

Give your car a check-up

Setting out for the open road gives vacationers a feeling of freedom and relaxation. But hitting the road puts you at the mercy of your vehicle. Don't leave the house until you've checked the air pressure and condition of your tires, made sure you're up-to-date on your regular maintenance and had any possible repairs done.

That brake repair light that's been blinking at you for a week is not something you want to take with you on your road trip. Take your car to a shop and have the problem fixed. Many people may want to save money by not getting a potentially expensive engine or brake repair. However, the cost of that simple engine or brake repair will seem minimal compared to the towing fee and additional repairs you'll have to pay for after you break down or get in a wreck in the middle of nowhere.

Secure your finances

In recent years, banks have made strides in card security and protecting their customers from identity theft. One measure some banks take is to freeze your card if it is being used in an area far from your usual living area. Some banks only deactivate a card when it is used outside of the country. However, more cautious companies will now cut off your card if it is being used even a few states away.

It would be wise for you to take 20 minutes out of your day to stop by the bank and let them know your travel plans just to be safe. You do not want to be out of town with no access to your account. It is also smart to bring a decent amount of cash just in case.

Don't let your guard down

Always lock your car. The summer heat often pushes people to do things they wouldn't normally do. Leaving the doors or windows wide open to air the car out while running into a gas station could easily result in theft. Your GPS device, cell phone, money or camera could be stolen. Even worse, your car itself could be stolen. Spending a hot afternoon filing a police report at the scene of the crime is probably not anyone's idea of a fun road trip activity.

Set a game plan

Modern technology has put many of us at the mercy of our GPS. While the gadget may be a godsend for small trips about town, it is not enough for a lengthy road trip. Your GPS may be unable to detect satellite signals in distant stretches of interstate and could even get you lost in unfamiliar towns. It is vital that you take along a road map marked with your planned route.