Whether you’re going to South West Rocks, Sweers Island or Exmouth for your next fishing trip, you’ll want to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready for adventure. But sometimes road trips can be more than you bargained for.
A host of things can go wrong with your car if it isn’t up to snuff. Here is a guide so you can arrive at your fishing destination without any mishaps along the way.
Car Maintenance
Before you head out on the road, get your car checked out by a trusted mechanic. An oil change, new spark plugs, and maybe even new tires could be in order. Nobody wants to be slowed down by flat tires, so make sure to check your tread before you leave. To do this, use just a penny and quarter and measure how far the tread comes up on each coin. This test will help determine whether you need new tires. Even if your tires don’t need to be replaced, it might be time to have them rotated and your steering alignment checked. Uneven wear on tires can cause slow leaks which decreases fuel efficiency and ultimately end up as a flat. Healthy car maintenance can eliminate potential hazards before they occur.
Packing
Of course you’ve packed your fishing gear, but there are some things you might want to consider before hitting the road. Safety gear, like a first aid kit and a car emergency kit are both good ideas. Jumper cables, road flares, and a spare and inflated tire are all equipment you should take along, as well as a hand jack and some extra jugs of oil. The first aid kit should have bandages to treat minor wounds, salve to treat burns including sunburns, and antiseptic for cleaning wounds and abrasions.
If the road trip is going to be a long distance, take along some entertainment as well. Apps like Spotify and Pandora provide all the music you might want while on the road. Both apps have free and premium options with slightly different functions. With iOS or Android support, these apps can make your drive feel a lot shorter. And if you’re a good listener, the Audible and Audiobook apps can provide you with all the bestsellers just hitting the shelves. You’ll be able to pass the miles by listening to a good book before you even get to your destination.
Gadgets
A good GPS device will make getting lost impossible. And tablets keep the kids entertained while you drive. You’ll also want a smartphone that keeps its charge. With the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge available from T-Mobile, you’ll have the power of connection in the palm of your hand. With 32 hours of talk time and 22 days of standby battery life, you’ll have a literal lifeline to get the help you need. While it’s unlikely this phone will run out of batteries on your road trip, packing a phone charger can’t hurt.