One of the most difficult things to do before going on a long road trip is to fit everything you want in your car. The trunk of your car has plenty of space, but it is certainly limited, and you will need to be smart if you want to make the most out of it.
There are an array of factors that impact the roadworthiness of your car. These include the type of tire and tire pressure, windscreen visibility, suspension, oil, braking ability, etc. Drivers often fail to recognize that how they pack for a road trip could impact their car’s ability to drive safely.
For this reason, it is important to pack right and be aware of the risk of overloading. Listed below are the main ways that will allow you to safely pack for a car trip.
Start with the Essentials
Besides packing the obvious clothes, shoes, personal items, and toiletries, below are a few useful items you must have in your car before embarking on a trip.
- Spare tire
- Tire jack
- First aid kit
- 2 to 3 liters of water per person
- USB Cables
- Umbrella
- Baby wipes and hand sanitizer
- Reusable shopping bag
Use Space Bags for Maximum Room
If you are packing bulky soft items like puffy jackets, pillows, or linens, then space bags can be a great way to ensure you don’t take up the entire trunk.
Take Caution when Packing Luggage on the Roof
If you are using your roof racks for a road trip, you must do the following:
- Consult the car’s manual to check how much weight it can tolerate
- Store the items in a securely attached roof box, and pay attention to the car’s weight restrictions
- Keep checking to see if your ropes, straps, and hooks are properly secured each time you make a rest stop
- Keep a note of your car’s new height when traveling through a tunnel or under an overpass
Pack Correctly for Road Safety
- Always pack big and heavy items on the bottom of the boot to keep the center of gravity low and ensure proper weight distribution.
- Do not pack above the line of the back seat, or this will hinder your rearview.
- Use a safety partition or safety net to prevent items from flying into the front of the car.
- Store small items in plastic crates or empty boxes to prevent them from sliding around.
- Distribute your luggage weight evenly by utilizing the spaces beneath passenger seats. This will allow your car to drive more smoothly and also encourage better fuel consumption.
- Never use the inside of the passenger area to keep your luggage. This can create problems under emergency braking.
- Keep all loose items away from the diver’s area to ensure maximum comfort.
Final Thoughts
Packing your car correctly for a road trip is extremely important for a comfortable and safe journey. If you fail to follow the tips above, the consequences can be detrimental. If you ever find yourself in a road accident, it is best to contact a car accident lawyer who can provide you with the legal representation and financial compensation needed.
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