How to Prepare Your Car

1.) Have a mechanic look over your car.

One of the best things you can do to avoid any hiccups on the road is to take your car in for a mechanic to examine. A multi-point inspection allows you to drive with more confidence and peace of mind. You'll also want the mechanic to check your brakes, especially if you'll be driving on any mountains or twisting roads.

2.) Inspect your tires.

Easily one of the most important things to remember when planning for a road trip is to be sure your tires have plenty of traction. Not only do good tires help keep your ride on the interstate smoother, but they can ensure you have enough stopping power should you need to avoid an accident or stop for a pedestrian. If you're not sure about your tires, it's best to have your service department double-check.

3.) Don't overload your vehicle.

If you're traveling solo, or with just one other person, it's somewhat unlikely that you'll max-out your car's load. However, if you're traveling with a family or a group of friends, overloading can be more of a problem. It's important that you can see out of your rear view window and that nothing obstructs your ability to drive, but also that your vehicle isn't too weighed down. A weighed-down vehicle will not handle as well and will be much more sluggish on the road, which can cause problems on the interstate when it comes to changing lanes and merging.

Cover Yourself

1.) Charge your devices.

Even if you have car chargers, it's best to make sure your phone or device is charged beforehand. For phones, especially if you're going through areas with spotty coverage, the battery can run down quickly if it's constantly searching for signal. Data usage also tends to use a phone's battery at a quicker rate.

2.) Bring plenty of supplies.

In addition to your luggage, it's important to have extra supplies specifically for the road trip. This could include items such as flashlights, extra water and extra jackets during cold seasons. It's also crucial that you always have a first aid kit and tool kit in your vehicle at all times, even if you're not on a long road trip.

3.) Bring snacks and coffee.

If you don't drink coffee, bring something to help yourself stay awake. Particularly during long, straight drives, it can be easy to dose off at the wheel, which endangers you, your passengers and other drivers. At the very least, be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before leaving.

4.) Bring a GPS.

If you don't have a GPS, have a passenger navigate for you on their phone or with a map. It's best to look at a map before leaving, in case your GPS loses signal or malfunctions. And if you're a trailblazer who doesn't need the help of a GPS, it's best to bring one along anyway in case you take a wrong turn somewhere down the road.

5.) Stay safe.

The most important thing to remember is that no destination is as important as the lives of you, your passengers and the other drivers on the road. No text is worth answering when you're behind the wheel, and no destination is worth speeding to get to. If you're not the one driving, help keep whoever is accountable.