Top Safety Tips For An Unforgettable Canadian Road Trip

Road trips can be a whole lot of fun, but to make the experience unforgettable for all the right reasons, it’s essential to take a number of different safety precautions before you set off.

Failure to carry these out, or have a qualified mechanic do so, could easily result in an accident or mechanical failure, which in turn, could put you in need of towing in Thunder Bay.

Check out our top safety tips for an unforgettable Canadian road trip:

Check the brakes

Nobody wants their brakes to fail, least of all when they’re in the middle of a Canadian road trip.

Before you set off, check the brakes to make sure they’re free from rust or damage, or have a mechanic give them the once over. You should also check the brake fluid.

Check the lights

Get a friend, colleague or loved one to check that the lights are functioning properly when the vehicle is stationary.

Check the battery

If you don’t know how to test your vehicle’s battery, a mechanic can help you do so. Batteries don’t last forever, and having yours run out mid-trip, could be a major inconvenience.

Check the tire pressure

To avoid blowouts and other safety emergencies while on the road, you should check your tire pressure before traveling. Although it might not seem like it should be at the top of your pre-trip safety list, it’s an important precaution to take.

Check the oil and other fluids

If your vehicle is due an oil check, it’s best to get it done before you hit the road. Do it yourself, or have a local mechanic check it for you. They can also check the brake, radiator and transmission fluids.

Check coolant levels

Preventing the engine from overheating (which can be crucial if you plan to be driving for longer periods in the heat of summer) coolant is an important level to check before your departure.

Check the air filter

Ideally, you should have your air filter cleaned when your oil is checked, or at least as often as the manual recommends; almost certainly before a road trip.

Check the windshield wipers

Windscreen wipers don’t last forever, and on average for Canadian vehicles, they need replacing on an annual basis. Check whether yours are performing alright, and if not, swap them out. You should also fill up the washer fluid, so that you don’t get stuck with a dirty windscreen.

Wash the car

Get the windows and taillights clean if nothing else, and if you can’t be bothered to do it yourself, or don’t have the time, run it through a carwash. Not only is a freshly cleaned car great for morale, but it’s important from a safety perspective too.

Buy, or make, a roadside emergency kit

Create your own emergency kit for the car that includes such items as jump cables, duct tape, a campers knife, bungee cords and a flashlight etc, or buy one from an auto store. You should also carry a first aid kit, plenty of water and non-perishable snacks, as well as blankets, just in case you get stuck in the car for a prolonged period of time while waiting for towing companies in Thunder Bay, or for any other reason.

Road trips can be fantastic opportunities to make memories, have fun and explore new places at your leisure, but an issue with the car because you didn’t take any safety precautions, has the ability to ruin the trip and make it unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. Follow the tips above to keep yourself, and your vehicle, as safe as possible on road trips; a few minutes of your time, could save you from a lot of worry, stress, inconvenience and heartache.