Road Tripping Done Right: How to Explore the World Safely and Efficiently

There are many wonderful things about living in the Albany, New York area, including the vast amount of places to explore. Perhaps that’s why drivers are visiting their Albany car dealers in search of the ultimate adventure vehicle. Drivers typically look for the same basic qualities in their potential new vehicle: reliability, safety, and, of course, fuel efficiency. After all, there are places in this state where you might have to drive for hours before you find the next gas station.

At the same time, we live in a world where more and more drivers are sharing the road, and fuel prices seem to be climbing all the time. Going for a road trip might seem less like a liberating journey and more like a stressful task. What happened to those carefree start-at-dawn car trips of our youth? Bogged down by the worry of what could happen and the expense of staying on the road, taking a road trip may not seem as appealing as it once was for many drivers.

But what’s a life without adventure, especially in an area of the world as rich in natural beauty and as close to as many modern attractions as Albany, NY? To help you maintain a reasonable stress-free journey, we’d like to share a few tips for having a safe, enjoyable, and efficient road trip.

Safety First

The Ford lineup of vehicles is known for their adventurous sensibility, bringing us vehicles like the Bronco, Escape, and Explorer. Furthermore, with many vehicles offered with standard or optional four-wheel drive, it stands to reason that these vehicles are all about the road trip life.

However, as drivers, we like to feel a little more secure when venturing into unexplored territory. That’s why many road trippers select vehicles that provide a full range of safety and driver assistance features. The Ford CoPilot 360 suite of features are particularly sought after for their comprehensive standard features, including blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation technology.

But, there’s more to staying safe than relying on the bells and whistles in your car. For example, before you leave on a road trip, you should always ensure your vehicle is ready for the voyage. That means checking your tire pressure and tire tread, including the spare, to avoid a blowout. You should also make sure all of the fluids are clean and full to keep your car moving as it should. Check the brakes all the way around, as well as lights and windshield wipers, and pay close attention to any weird noises, shaking, or smells as you drive. In fact, many drivers choose to get a full tune-up and fluid check before hitting the road to help them have a little more confidence and peace of mind.

Another great safety tip for all drivers is to pack an emergency kit. That includes a first aid kit, which you should check before leaving to ensure you’ve got a full range of bandages, basic over-the-counter medication, and other helpful health aids, like antiseptic cream and instant ice packs. An emergency kit should also include jumper cables, a tire change kit, a flashlight, flares, and a blanket. Many drivers also recommend bringing paper towels, duct tape, and work gloves, which can help you solve many common roadside issues, at least temporarily.

The Voyage Itself

While part of the fun of a road trip is the spontaneity of it all, there are certain avoidable situations we can encounter when driving long distances. One thing that many drivers struggle with is staying awake and alert while they drive. This is actually one of the easiest situations to mitigate. Many of us try very hard to push ourselves to drive further than we’re mentally and physically capable of handling, and the monotony of driving can make us feel drowsy, especially at night. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you’re well-rested before starting a road trip. Stop frequently to move around, take some deep breaths, and give your brain and body a break.

Many drivers chug caffeinated beverages to keep them alert, but that can increase the number of stops you make, as well as increase your feelings of impatience. You don’t necessarily need to avoid caffeine, but instead of going for an early buzz, consider spacing out your drinks and meals throughout the day. Try eating nutritious foods like fruits and veggies in between indulging in regional treats and plenty of water. Your brain and body will thank you.

You’ll also want to have a good idea of where you’re going. Many vehicles now have built-in navigation or can access our smartphone apps. That can be incredibly helpful in reducing road stress, as well as plotting important stops like fuel and bathroom stops. Knowing the distance between your current location and a gas station can be extremely helpful in avoiding breakdowns or personal emergencies!

Maintaining Efficiency

The number one way to get the most fuel mileage from your trip is to purchase a vehicle with a great fuel economy. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the budget to buy a brand new car just for road trips. However, for those who are frequent adventurers and considering a new vehicle in the coming year, pay close attention to the EPA fuel economy of your options to select a good fit for your exploration budget.

Additionally, this is another good reason to plot your course ahead of time. While taking the road less traveled is certainly a priority for some drivers, others prefer to select the route that requires the least amount of time and fuel between Point A and Point B. Most vehicles have better fuel efficiency on the highway than they do on roads with slower speed limits and more stop-and-go patterns, which might mean detouring around rush hour traffic or selecting sight-seeing excursions that aren’t too far off your chosen path.

That can also mean not making any unnecessary stops. We tend to burn through a lot of fuel when we get off the highway and wander around looking for everyone’s favorite fast food restaurant. Instead, consider packing plenty of healthful snacks and meals ahead of time. Of course, you should sample local cuisine and try all the treats you can’t get at home, but when you’re spending the day on the road, you’ll save a lot of time, fuel, and money by bringing your own food along for the ride.

Planning Is the Key

Going on a road trip is a cherished American tradition. With thousands of miles of road to explore, you can leave your doorway and end up on the shores of the Pacific Ocean if you so choose—just make sure you and your vehicle are equally prepared for the trip. That means keeping up with regular maintenance, as well as checking and double-checking your vehicle and fluids before you leave. Keep a full kit of tools and helpful items in case of an emergency, and make sure they’re in full working order before you leave on your journey.

Plot your course to make sense for your budget and your sight-seeing needs, which means taking into account the stops you’ll need to make on the way, as well as high-traffic situations like rush hour or special events. While we can’t change the price of fuel, we can make sure our fuel consumption is appropriate for the trips we take by planning carefully ahead of time. Pack your fuel cards, put your mail on hold, and get the luggage out of storage because it’s time to bring back the Great American Road Trip!