5 Ways You Need to get Prepared for a Road Trip
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EarthDayDriveAway #CollectiveBias #ad
Going on a road trip can be a lot of fun! Being able to drive to your vacation destination rather than flying can save quite a bit of money too. But before you pull out of your driveway, there are five ways that you need to get prepared for a road trip.
Give your car an oil change and check-up
Any time that you plan on taking a road trip, you should make sure that your car is in tip-top shape. The last thing that you want is to be hundreds of miles from home and have a breakdown. One of the easiest ways to make sure that your car is prepared for a road trip is to take it to the Walmart Auto Care Center.
Recently, our family went to Niagara Falls over spring break, and before going, I took the car to the Walmart Auto Care Center. For only $44.88, I was able to get an oil change with Mobil 1™ synthetic oil—which is made to protect more than my car’s engine; this synthetic oil reduces the amount of oil changes needed, and reduces oil consumption leading to less waste overall. Included with the oil change, the technicians at the Walmart Auto Care Center also check the power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, air filter, tire pressure, battery, and tire tread (upon request). No appointment necessary, and it only took about 25 minutes—and the car was all set for our little road trip!
I love the fact that Mobil 1 ™ has a smaller carbon footprint than conventional motor oils** So it feels good to know that I am able to make a choice that is better for the environment…
If you want to change your oil and do the check-up on your own, you can also buy the oil off the shelf at Walmart as well. There are several options to choose from, so if you aren’t exactly sure which type of oil your car needs, you can use this Oil Selector Tool at Walmart.com.
And now, through April 30, 2018, you can also enter the Earth Day Drive Away for a chance to win a Chevy Equinox! There are two ways to enter for a chance to win:
- By purchasing 5 quarts of Mobil 1™ in the store or a Mobil 1™ oil change at the Auto Care Center
- By recycling any used oil at an Auto Care Center
As a bonus, if you purchase 5 quarts of Mobil 1™ synthetic oil or a Mobil 1™ synthetic oil change at the Auto Care Center, you are also eligible to receive a $10 Select Certificate valid on a future Mobil 1™ purchase at Walmart. Obviously, it is very important to make sure the used oil is adequately disposed of. You can bring the oil to Walmart for proper recycling while getting another chance to enter to win the sweepstakes.
Once shoppers have made a qualifying Mobil 1™ purchase or recycled any used oil at Walmart, they can enter to win the Chevy Equinox and receive their $10 Walmart Select Certificate at Earth Day Drive Away.
*Limit 2 entries in the sweepstakes per customer (1 for purchasing and 1 for recycling).
*Receipt required to receive $10 Walmart Select Certificate.
Pack a first-aid kit
I like to keep a first aid kit in my car at all times anyways, but I always check to make sure it is fully stocked with a variety of bandage sizes, antiseptic pads, and ointment before leaving on a road trip. As a mother, this is a must with three boys—scratches are inevitable, so I want to be ready for them. Plus, the last thing that I want is my little guy to be crying with a cut on his finger and be in need of a bandage and I have no idea where the nearest store is to buy any. Having these items on-hand not only is a time-saver, but makes the trip less stressful because we can easily fix the little bumps and scratches in life…
Map it
Even though almost everyone has access to GPS or a map app on their smartphone, it is still a good idea to have paper maps of your vacation route. You just never know when your internet access will be limited or not available, so make sure that you are prepared by having maps printed out ahead of time so that you can still navigate to your destination if your GPS isn’t working. Also have addresses and phone numbers of hotels and attractions written down—you can always stop and ask for directions if all else fails.
Snacks and Entertainment
You can save a lot of time and money by packing snacks and water, instead of stopping every time someone is thirsty or hungry. Also make sure to bring movies, electronic devices, and music—especially to entertain your little ones. Of course, you could try the good, old-fashioned spot the different states license plate game to help pass the time…
Prepare for the “what if”
Lastly, you need to bring a bag that pretty much prepares you for any circumstance that might arise while you are away from home. Be sure to pack: rain ponchos, ibuprofen, cough drops, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, and even a small roadside emergency kit. Preparing for the “what if” isn’t stuff that you will necessarily need… but might need, so you want to be prepared. This can save you money too, because having to buy sunglasses or medicine at a convenience store or at a resort will cost you a premium.
Where will you go on a road trip?
**Estimates made based on CO2 equivalent emissions derived from Life Cycle Assessment of Mobil 1 vs. conventional motor oil. Assumes switching from a conventional motor oil of higher viscosity grade to Mobil 1 Annual Protection. Include Production, Use, Disposal, and Fuel Economy attributed to motor oil over its lifetime. Calculation based on average U.S. vehicle engine oil sump size, average MPG, average oil change interval and average annual driving distance. Assumes nominal fuel economy improvement when switching from a higher viscosity grade to lower viscosity grade. Assumes new vehicles under warranty follow OEM recommend oil change interval. Mobil 1 Annual Protection is guaranteed to protect for one full year or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first. You may or may not obtain these benefits depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
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