ERIE, Pa., July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Your summer
vacation plans probably look a little different this year. For many
families, that may mean skipping the airport and loading up the car
for a family road trip. If you're planning a trip before the end of
summer, a little advance planning can go a long way toward making
your vacation safe and fun for everyone.
Erie Insurance has 12 tips to help make your next road trip
memorable — and prepare for whatever may come your way.
- Pack smart and make a checklist. To avoid leaving any
essentials at home, create a checklist a few weeks before you leave
— and add to it as you think of new items. Then, pull out the list
as you start packing and check items off as you go.
- Make extra space. Avoid the temptation to fill your
vehicle to the roof. This obstructs the view from your rearview
mirror and severely limits visibility. Instead, consider a rooftop
cargo box or hitch-mounted cargo carrier to create extra storage
space.
- Keep pets safe. Is the family dog headed to
the beach with you? Pack a portable water bowl and some extra food
for rest stops. Use a pet carrier or harness device to keep him
safe for the ride. Don't ruin a getaway with a trip to the vet –
learn how you can keep pets safe in the car.
- Use your GPS and plan for traffic. Before you
leave home, enter all your destinations into your vehicle's GPS
system or a mobile navigation app. This will give you real-time
updates on travel time and save you from searching for addresses at
the last minute. It is true that construction delays can pop
up anytime, anywhere in the summer. Since driving through a major
city during rush hour could add hours to your itinerary, know where
congestion is possible and plan to travel during off-peak
hours.
- Bring an atlas. Even though you haven't used
one in ages, keeping a road atlas in the car is always a good idea.
With an old-school paper map, you don't have to worry about losing
your GPS signal or running out of battery. And if you have kids,
they may get a kick out of tracking your travels.
- Prepare your vehicle. Schedule a multi-point
inspection to get a good snapshot of your vehicle's overall
condition. A trained mechanic can let you know of any maintenance
issues to fix before they get worse (or more expensive).
- Check your tires. Before you leave home, inspect
the condition of your tires and inflate them to the pressure
recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. If your tires are low
on tread, replace them before you hit the road. You can check by
using "the penny test." Just insert a penny upside down into a
tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires.
- Change your oil and top off fluids. Road
trips can rack up the miles on your car in the span of just a few
days. Look ahead to preventative maintenance, like oil changes,
that may come due while you're traveling. Taking care of it before
you leave is not only good for your car — it's good for
peace-of-mind. Check all of your vehicle's fluid levels too. That
includes windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid and power
steering fluid. Top them all off as needed.
- Check your emergency kit. If you find yourself stranded,
a well-stocked emergency kit could help you get back on the road
quickly and safely. Pre-assembled kits are available for purchase,
or you can use this guide to assemble your own emergency
kit.
- Organize your glovebox. If you happen to get in an
accident, it's nice to have the documents you need at your
fingertips. Make sure you have a copy of your vehicle registration
and an up-to-date insurance ID card. To prepare in case
something does happen, ask your agent about ERIE's Emergency Roadside Service and
save the number in your phone — 800-FOR-ERIE — just in case.
- Make regular stops. While eliminating
stops can help you get to your destination sooner, it's not the
most enjoyable way to travel. Stopping to take a short break every
few hours will give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and can
help you stay more alert behind the wheel.
- Pack healthy snacks. Chips, chocolate and
soda — every kid's dream meal. To avoid the sugar highs after every
rest stop and gas fill-up, pack a small cooler filled with bottled
water, cereal bars, fruits and vegetables. It's best to avoid salty
foods and sugary drinks, as they may actually make you thirsty.
Heavy foods can also make you tired.
When it comes to packing for your road trip, we know the people
you travel with are your most important cargo. That's why we're
here — to help you make sure they're protected. Whether you're
taking an epic road trip or going just across town, we've got you
covered. Find an agent in your neighborhood to learn more
about auto insurance from ERIE.
Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group,
based in Erie, Pennsylvania,
is the 11th largest homeowners insurer and
12th largest automobile insurer in the United
States based on direct premiums written and the
16th largest property/casualty insurer in the
United States based on total lines net premium
written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best
Company, has more than 6 million policies in force and operates in
12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Family Life Insurance Company
is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Life insurance
policies not written in New York
state. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance Group