Summer road trips are a good time for everyone. You have time off work or school, and you’re ready to get out of town for a few days. It’s important to make sure you take care of yourself while you get from point A to point B, so here are some tips to make your Road trip is stress-free.
• Schedule breaks: Everyone gets tired after a while. It’s important you stop for snacks/restroom breaks. This will also give everyone a chance to get out of the car and stretch their legs.
• Check your tires before heading out: The summer heat can have a detrimental effect on your tires causing them to lose air. Make sure to check your tire pressure prior to departure.
• Examine your wiper blades: The summer heat can do a number on your wiper blades. Be sure to make sure they are 100% working condition before heading out. If they aren’t invest in a new pair.
• Schedule a preventative maintenance check: It’s important to make sure that everything on your car is in working order, so everyone can get on the road worry free!
1. Clear headlights of every bit of excess grime you are able to and outline each headlight with tape. This protects your paint job while you’re cleaning.
2. It is likely that any product you try will require sanding of some sort—so be detailed, meticulous, and careful during this process. After wards, the headlight should be rough and dull, yet clear of any yellowing.
3. Polish them up! This will rid your headlights of the small scratches caused by the sandpaper. It will also rid them of the dull look and make them clear again.
4. Since you’ve removed any protective layer that was on your headlights originally during the sanding process, it’s important that you apply a sealant with UV protection. If possible, choose one with promised extended protection.
If you’re in the dark about the best UV sealant to use, check out what Popular Mechanics says on the issue.
1 )GasBuddy
Available for: iOS, Android and Blackberry.
Frustrated with the climbing gas prices? This app allows you to see the most updated gas prices so you can always find the best stations to fill up.
2) RepairPal
Available for: iOS and Android
We all get anxiety about over-paying for a repair. With RepairPal all you have to do is select your car and the type of repair you need, and the app will let you know what you can expect to pay in your area!
3) Honk
Available for: iOS
It’s always difficult remembering where you parked, or how much time you have left on the meter. With Honk you can pin point your car after you park it, and track how much time you have left on your meter to avoid those pesky parking tickets! Honk even has a break crumb feature to help lead you back to your car when you’re ready to head home!
1) Write her a letter: Not just any letter, but one that really let’s her know how much you appreciate her. Be very specific on the all of the things you are thankful for, and make sure she knows how much you love her!
2) Create a favorite things basket: Include her favorite candies, movies, photos and maybe even some flowers.
3) Spend the entire day with her: You know your mom loves spending time with you! Clear your schedule for the day and hang out with her. Maybe go see a movie or just spend time with her around the house.
Check your Tread Wear:
This can be done by using a penny. Place the penny head down into several treads on the tire. If you see Abe’s head the whole time then it’s time for new tires. If his head is partially covered you have a little more time before you have to replace them.
Why Should I Worry About Tread Wear?
For your safety of course! If your tires are too worn they may perform poorly in difficult weather conditions. It can also cause wear on other parts of your car.
Age is a Factor:
How old are your tires? Manufactures recommend that you replace your tires every six years, if they last that long. If you live in a place with extreme hot or cold weather conditions you may have to replace them much sooner.
Exposure to the Elements:
If your tires are exposed to a gratuitous amount of sun their structure could be compromised. If you live in a place with moderate climate it shouldn’t be too much of an issue, but again in extreme heat make sure you keep an eye out.
