I know I have mentioned this before on several occasions, but I am so blessed to have a husband that knows what he is doing when it comes to our cars. While it is not what he does for a living, he is just a handyman of sorts and knows how to do just about anything. He tells me I give him too much credit, but in my eyes he is a super hero of things I could never even fathom accomplishing without reading some tutorial or watching 574 YouTube video tutorials. So, when it comes to holiday traveling I am not concerned with the safety of our vehicles. It is just something Matthew simply takes care of and for that I am thankful. However, I know that not everyone has a Matthew and Shell wants you to understand a few important points before you hit the roads.
According to the Shell Mechanics Survey*, the four best tactics to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming holiday travel season are:
- Inspect tires for air pressure, tread depth, rotation, etc.
- Check all fluid levels
- Fill up with a high quality fuel
- Check / change engine oil and oil filers
The Shell Mechanics Survey was a 7-minute online survey conducted by StrategyOne. The survey was fielded from March 30 – April 2, 2012 and sampled 450 automotive mechanics across the United States. The margin of error is +/- 4.62% at 95% confidence
Did you know:
- Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines contain 20% more active cleaning agents than before, helping protect engine’s intake valves and fuel injectors from performance-robbing gunk.
- Many may be surprised to learn that driving can often be more economical, fun and flexible than flying. According to a May 2012 Car Care Council analysis, a family of four travelling 1,000 miles round trip could save $1,000 by driving instead of flying
- The average cost for a family of four to drive 1,000 mile round trip is $350
- The average cost for a family of four to fly 1,000 mile round trip is $1,441
Want to maintain sanity while on the road with kids? Here are my tips:
- Pack plenty of dry, non-sticky snacks
- Travel with juice or water that is in individual packages (less mess)
- Place a shoebox or small storage bin beside your child’s car seat full of toys, crayons, coloring books etc so that he/she can easily reach in and put back without cluttering the car
- Have an iDevice or Android? It may be time to teach older children how to use it on limited occasions. I like to save mine for when we have reached melt down mode. You always need a few bag of tricks left. Save the best for last!
- Make time to schedule potty and stretch breaks. You will need them!
- Have a potty training toddler? Travel with your potty seat accessible and in the back just in case you can’t make it to a restroom.
- One word. Wipes!
I hope you all have a very safe and wonderful holiday traveling season!
In honor of travel safety, Shell would like to provide 3 lucky Go Graham Go readers with $50 Shell Gift Cards! Here’s How to Win:
A gift card was provided by Shell. These are my honest opinions ideas and opinions and the stats were given to me by Shell. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.
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Cara C. says
I try to get everything I might need organized before I leave the driveway to avoid distraction once I get on the road, like having my water, sunglasses, mints near, cds already in the player, address loaded in the GPS, etc.
Kristi P says
We always check our tires before a long trip.
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
Keep extra clothing and a blanket in the trunk!
Seth says
I always keep a pair of gloves and a hat in my car somewhere.
Amy Z. says
Avoid distractions by always pulling over if you need to do something!
Cathy B*****y says
there are so many safe driving tips! Always carry an emergency backpack in the car, filled with items you and your family might need. That can include medical supplies, flashlight, waterproof matches, blanket, shelf type water and coconut water packets, flares, snacks, and so much more. Another tip is always check to make sure you have enough gas for the trip you are planning. I cant tell you how many times I hear of friends running out of gas because they were in a hurry and seeing it low thought it might be just enough! Another tip- NO TEXTING while driving!! These seem like no brainers, but you wouldnt beleive how many people still do it…and use a wireless earphone-speaker phone.
Cathy B*****y pbprojecthope at yahoo dot com
Francine Anchondo says
get a oil change , get your car checked out before going on the road
Eve says
Avoid distractions by not answering the phone while driving
Courtnie says
Always wear seatbelts.
Karla Schmidt says
I always keep blankets and water in my car at ALL TIMES
Jessica says
Keep a kit with emergency supplies in your trunk
Wanda McHenry says
Make sure you have an emergency car kit in your trunk
Terri S. says
We keep a shovel and a bag of cat litter in the trunk in winter months in case our car gets stuck in snow / ice. Also, hubby cleans the battery terminals when he gets car ready for winter driving. 🙂
Cindy says
I start out with a full tank of gas.
Jill says
Always check your air in the tires before going on trip.
Marci says
Always check road conditions before leaving.
Jesselyn A/Jessinger says
We’re pretty thorough. Aside from routinely filling tank, checking oil, fluids and tire air and spar, we keep several emergency kits – not just auto and medical kits – but also like for travel or hospital maternity kits. Change of clothes for cold hot, wet, tears. Blankets and towels – and of course accessible supples like water, juicem non-perishable foods, medications, – pretty much everything we might need to survive for several days in any situation – including tools – too!
nataly carbonell says
Have an extra tire and check your engine before raveling
Jennifer T. says
The safest car traveling trip is to put your phone in the far back seat so you’re not tempted to text or talk.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Stacey Cockrell says
Always have a can of Fix-a-Flat.
Alexis AKA MOM says
Make sure you have the oil changed and up to date before long trip and a full tank 🙂
Tamra H says
Make sure you have directions before you leave, don’t rely on your GPS, because it may not work! Then you’ll be distracted with trying to get new directions while you’re driving.
Michelle C says
Now that my kids are getting a little older, I like to have them watch movies and wear headphones which keeps them quiet and eliminates noise and distractions for me. Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
Make sure you have a proper spare tire for your car and you get an oil change before traveling
Amanda Sakovitz says
always check your tire pressure before going on a long trip
meredith says
fill up with gas and bring water
Thomas Murphy says
Keep an emergency car kit in your trunk
Tabathia B says
youtube subscriber: tabathia b
pinterest follower: chelleb40
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
livivua says
no cell phone unless using speaker
Katy M says
I always keep a couple of blankets and a gallon of water in the trunk…just in case.
Thanks!
Jenn McCullar says
Besides from the normal car maintenance oil & tires, I suggest checking car seats before hitting the road. My 3 yr had unbuckled his recently and I found it when I went to the other side to get something. Now every time I go somewhere I check to make sure little fingers haven’t tampered with it.
Jim Lipscomb says
Schedule breaks and make yourself take them even if you feel it’s “OK to skip it.”
Kimberly Bauer says
Always bring plenty of activities for the kids to do on a long road trip. If they are busy than there is no fighting to distract you when driving.
Missy L says
Drive within the speed limit and make sure that everyone is always buckled up safely at all times. We let each person pack a small bookbag with special car activities.
Jennifer Marie says
Always check your oil before long trips!
Tim Lintz says
Always have your hotel stays planned in advance. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for a hotel at midnight.
Cori Westphal says
My hubs is a stickler about making sure all four tires have the same amount of air. Says it has something to do with my alignment, as well as making it less likely I get a flat!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Karen says
I always make sure nothing is sticking up over the back seats to block our view out the back window. It seems we always have pillows and stuff that get thrown in on top of luggage as we are about to leave.
Thanks, Karen
lemontart5kb at gmail dot com
David Lintz says
Pack your own snacks so you can save time by not stopping at restaurants along the way.
Ellen B says
wear your seatbeat
CherylS22 says
The safest tip I have is no distractions – shut off the cell phone, no heavy discussions while driving, no fighting in the car while traveling.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Karen says
Check tire pressure before leaving on a long trip.
Lisa L says
Make sure your that tires are properly inflated, all fluids are at their proper levels and that you have a full tank of gas.
trixx says
My tip is to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, which vary from state to state and especially overseas.
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