Ready to hit the open road? Wherever your travels take you, it's important to be prepared.

---

Proper planning can make all the difference, and we want your drive to be as stress-free as possible. At Milton Ruben Chevrolet, we're here to help with all of your auto needs, and we've created a list of ways you can prepare yourself and your car for your next road trip. Keep reading to learn more!

How to Prepare Your Car

1. Have a mechanic look over your car.

One of the most important steps to ensure a smooth trip is to bring your car to a mechanic. A multi-point inspection will provide more confidence and peace of mind. Make sure the mechanic checks your brakes, especially if you'll be driving through any mountains or twisting roads.

2. Inspect your tires.

Make sure your tires have plenty of traction. Good tires are crucial to keeping your ride smooth on the interstate, and they should provide enough stopping power should you need to avoid an accident or stop for a pedestrian. If you're uncertain about your tires, have your service department double-check them.

3. Don't overload your vehicle.

If you're traveling alone, or with one other passenger, you probably won't overload your car. On the other hand, if you're traveling with a large group of people, overloading may become a problem. Make sure that you can see out of your rear view window and that nothing obstructs your ability to drive, but also make sure that your vehicle isn't too heavy. A weighed-down vehicle won't handle as easily and will be much more sluggish on the road, potentially causing issues when it comes to changing lanes or merging on the interstate.

---

How To Prepare Yourself

1. Charge your devices.

Even if you have car chargers, it's a good idea to make sure your phones and devices are completely charged before taking off. If you're going through areas with spotty coverage, your phone's battery can run down quickly if it's constantly searching for a signal. Data usage can also eat up a phone's battery.

2. Bring plenty of supplies.

Aside from your luggage, bring extra supplies for the road like flashlights, extra water and extra jackets during cold seasons. Always keep a first aid kit and tool kit in your vehicle, even for short road trips.

3. Bring snacks and coffee.

If you don't drink coffee, pack other snacks or drinks that will help keep you awake. Dozing off can be easy when you're behind the wheel, especially during long, uneventful drives. This endangers you, your passengers and other drivers. Always make sure you stay alert, and at the very least, be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before your trip.

4. Bring a GPS.

If you don't have a GPS, designate a passenger as a navigator, whether they use a phone or map. It's always a smart idea to look at a map before leaving, in the event that your GPS loses signal or malfunctions. Even if you prefer to navigate without a GPS, bring one along anyway —just in case you take a wrong turn.

5. Stay Safe.

Always remember that no destination is as important as the lives of you, your passengers or other drivers on the road. No text is worth answering when you're driving, and no destination is worth speeding to get to. If someone else is driving, keep them accountable.

---

If you’re interested in learning more about how to prepare your vehicle for your next trip, or want to get it checked before you leave, come see us at Milton Ruben Chevrolet in Augusta, GA, at 3514 Washington Rd. Augusta GA 30907. We look forward to serving our customers from Grovetown, Evan and North Augusta, GA, Aiken and Graniteville, SC!