Tips For Your Perfect Summer Road Trip

Tips For Your Perfect Summer Road Trip

With summer in the air, now is the perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy this perfect season while it lasts. Whether you're headed out of state or just enjoying some of Michigan's many scenic locales, it's good to know if you're prepared for the best or worst of what can happen on the road.

Some simple and easy to remember tips for a safe drive include:

• Check the forecast daily and request weather alerts along the planned route.
• Check tire pressure before the trip (and regularly during) and inflate tires to the recommended level.
• Replace windshield wipers.
• Don't overload the vehicle.
• Schedule stops throughout the day and be sure to book hotel rooms in advance.
• Follow other vehicles safely by observing the 3/6/9 rule. In normal conditions, account for a minimum 3 seconds between the time the car in front of you passes a fixed object and the time you pass it. Allow a minimum of 6 seconds in heavy traffic or inclement weather, and allow a minimum of 9 seconds in severe weather.
• Keep windows clean and watch for chips or cracks from debris. Avoid washing a window with a crack and keep from hitting potholes and slamming doors, which can worsen a damaged window.

Other more in depth tips to be sure of:

• Thieves commonly go after the 3rd row seat from an SUV. consider removing yours and leaving it in your garage if your know you won't be using it.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, underinflated tires are three times more likely to burst and cause an accident. Drivers should check tire pressure before the trip (and regularly during) and inflate tires to the recommended level.
• If your navigation device is mounted to the window, remove the mount and wipe off the ring left by the suction cup.