May days are here my friends and summer is just around the corner. With clear roads and an extra day tagged on to the weekend, many are breaking free of the winter blues and hitting the open road for a weekend excursion. Well good on you! Before you seek solace in the never-ending pavement, make sure you are properly prepared to avoid any silly problems on your well-deserved trip. Check out this easy on-the-road checklist. Safe travels y’all.

Car Maintenance

• Perform basic maintenance on your vehicle. Replace oil, wipers, fluids and the air filter if necessary.
• Have your brake pads inspected.
• Check your battery’s charge and terminals.
• Check tires for tears and for bulges on the sidewall.  Also, check your treads. If you don’t have a gauge, insert a dime upside down into the tread. If the dime stops while the Queen’s head is visible, your tires are too worn to be driven on safely.

Trip Planning

• Try to pack as lightly as possible to save on gas and stress, and to make your car more manoeuvrable. Most new cars have the total weight you can carry printed on the driver’s side door.
• If you’re driving with kids, make sure you pack enough snacks, water, games, videos and music to keep them occupied and comfortable during your journey.
• Bring GPS navigation to avoid getting lost, or to receive a notification on traffic conditions ahead. Be aware that these can drain your phone’s battery or may not be available where there is no Internet connection, so make sure you have a contingency plan (such as a map).
• Make sure your car has up-to-date tags and insurance. Among the worst things that can happen during a road trip are having your car ticketed or impounded for letting those things lapse.

Safety

• Pack an emergency kit. Include a flashlight, blanket, first-aid kit, tools, water and non-perishable food items.
• Wear your seat belt. Not only is this a life-saving precaution, but in all provinces, it’s also the law.
• Keep your eyes on the road. Pull over to adjust any GPS settings and make phone calls. Never text while you are driving.
• Stay alert. Take breaks to recover from the strain of long-distance driving. Always stop for a break when tired.
• Use your turn signals when changing lanes or making a turn, and turn on your headlights when it’s raining or dark out so other drivers can see you.
• Share the road.

For more tips and tricks, check out our resource centre.