The biggest problem on a long road trip isn’t always the worst thing that could happen, it’s usually the dozens of smaller problems that build up along the way. Your car may be in great shape, but the real test comes from day-to-day use. All of these upgrades are inexpensive, easy to do, and will help make your life easier during the next long drive.
The First Item To Upgrade Is Probably Going To Be Your Vehicle’s Electrical System.
Start with your existing power outlets. If they’re old (most cars come equipped with older-style outlets), then chances are you’ve got multiple devices plugged in, and they’re fighting for space on a single outlet. This is where the simplest solution is a multi-port USB-C adapter. As long as each of your devices is using USB-C instead of traditional USB-A, then this will be able to charge everything at once without any of your devices being stuck at 12% battery.
Dash Cams
Now, let’s go over your dash cams. How long does it take your dash cam to write over footage? Do you see any scratches on the lens? Did you use the memory card that was included with your dash cam? Chances are, all of these are likely doing nothing to help protect you on the road. Even if you purchased a dash cam five or ten years ago, it may be worthwhile to check how well it functions. If you do not already have a dash cam, consider purchasing an inexpensive unit that provides video recording from in front of your vehicle. Although this type of recording will not provide hours of high-quality video to upload to YouTube, it should give you some level of comfort knowing that you’ll have some video recording available as evidence if anything happens during one of your trips.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems
Another area to consider is your tires. As you load up the boot and begin the long haul down the motorway, you place additional strain on your tyres. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts you before a slow puncture becomes a complete failure, resulting in a roadside repair. There are many types of TPMS available, both as standard equipment in newer vehicles and also as add-ons for older models.
Hands-Free Audio
Lastly, make sure that your phone mounts and hands-free audio systems are functioning correctly. If you’ve purchased a wobbly phone mount or never taken the time to properly pair your Bluetooth connections, fixing them ahead of time will save you headaches on the open road. Stabilising your phone mount and ensuring seamless connectivity are two factors that play directly into your ability to remain safe while driving.
Internet Access
Consider investing in internet access. While losing cellular signal alone can be very stressful, especially when travelling with small children or pulling a caravan or trailer behind your vehicle, it increases that level of frustration even more. Wifi for caravans can help maintain a stable GPS signal, as well as help navigate areas where cell phone service is spotty.
Diagnostic Check
There are many things you can do to prepare for a long drive before you leave; however, one of the most beneficial things you could possibly do is take your vehicle to a mechanic and have him perform a diagnostic check on your vehicle before leaving. This gives you some comfort knowing that if something does go wrong during your trip, it may not result in a catastrophic failure because he was able to identify the problem and make repairs.
