7 Essential Things to Do Before Taking Off on a Road Trip
1. Check Tires
One of the most important things to inspect when going on a road trip is your Ford truck's tires. The average lifespan of a truck's tire is three to four years; however, this could be different if your truck isn't properly aligned, your tires aren't balanced, or your tires don't have even air pressure. Check the tread on your tires to avoid the headache of changing a big tire on the side of the highway.
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2. Perform Basic Maintenance
You are supposed to perform basic maintenance on your truck every 5,000 miles. If you've done your maintenance 4,000 miles ago, calculate your drive so you don't go past the maintenance interval on the road. A basic engine oil change, oil filter, and air filter replacement can make your truck run better, and it will definitely protect your expensive engine.
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3. Inspect the Brakes
With your tires checked and your maintenance done, there are still a few things to look out for before heading out on a long road trip. One of the most important systems to check is the brake system. Check the brake fluid and make sure it is up to par, check the brake pads and make sure they are thick enough to handle all conditions you throw at them, then check the cooling system. If you haven't done a radiator flush in a few years, do your truck a favor and do it before your trip; this will ensure your engine stays cool on the road.
4. Map-out Your Trip
No one likes surprises, at least bad ones. Use Google Maps to show you how your drive will pan out. Sometimes you can use alternative routes if you don't care for uphills, windy roads, or highways with infrequent gas stations. Learn what your road trip will be like before getting on the road, and your journey should be nothing but smooth.
5. Pack an Emergency Kit
No one likes emergencies, but they happen when we least expect them. Make sure you have a flashlight, jumper cables, basic tools, and a rope for your truck. Make sure to cover yourself and your passengers with a first aid kit, blankets, and any necessary medicine; this will ensure if you face an emergency, you will be prepared to get through it safely.
6. Don't Forget Supplies
Having plenty of supplies can make your road trip easy and fast. Some of the most important supplies will be food and water, which ensures that even if you find yourself on a long road with no restaurants or gas stations, you can still survive and not have to drive dehydrated and starving. Bring other supplies to help make your trip better, like sun protection, a blanket, and heavy clothing. Even if it's summer, you never know how cold it will get at night. More importantly, bring navigation, phone chargers, and maps; this will ensure that you have back-up navigation in case something happens to your electronic devices.
7. Pack Smart
Packing may sound simple, but nothing is more frustrating than things flying off the back of your truck. Make sure you pack properly and secure your items safely in the truck bed. This will ensure you don't keep stopping to move things around and collect your luggage from the freeway. If you are towing or hauling heavier loads, be sure to learn about calculating the tongue weight to avoid swaying.
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