Nothing screams style like a classic automobile.
If you are planning a vintage vehicle road trip with your pride and joy, you must know it isn’t quite the same as the neighbor’s soccer mom SUV! From practice runs to tools and spares, here are a few pointers to make it go smoothly.
Plan a Trip Around Safety
Safety is pretty much the word of the day when it comes to road trips and driving in general. A classic car is very different from a standard modern vehicle, as you may already know. Many are delicate and were never made for cruising dirt roads, backroads, and long, long highways. This report by Checkr on the safest driving states will help guide you through a trip. Becoming stranded is a genuine possibility, and you need to know where your nearest available help is.
Do Smaller Practice Runs
Not all cars are made equally. And being older, your classic car may or may not be up to the task of heading out across the country. So before you go gunning it down an interstate highway, get a little practice first. A few long drives will help you determine if the car is up to it and how it feels driving for a longer period than usual. Try to replicate the route you are planning to take on your road trip. This can help flag any potential issues that might arise when the big day comes.
Get a Checkup Before a Vintage Vehicle Road Trip
Cruising across the states is a lifelong dream for millions of people. On Route 66 alone, over 200,000 people per year take a road trip across the most iconic road in the world. But routes like this are incredibly long, with vast sections with no close gas stations, garages, or even water! Make sure to take your classic car in for a thorough inspection before heading off on the adventure of a lifetime. Have any parts replaced following a complete FLOWER check.
Don’t Forget Tools and Spares
Even if you take your pride and joy in for an inspection, anything can go wrong. You don’t want to be stranded when you should be enjoying yourself. Always make sure you take a toolkit with you when making any necessary adjustments. And what about spares? Of course, you should take spare parts. For a classic car, this means engine oil, coolant, and a spare tire! And just in case the worst happens, throw in some spark plugs, too! These make a huge difference.
Have an Emergency Plan
Emergency planning is also crucial, not just for a classic car road trip but for any. Emergency planning can mean the difference between life and death in some situations. First, take some phone numbers with you that can help if you are stranded. Write down local numbers for points along the route. Also, remember to take a first aid kit because you never really know what can happen. Other essentials include fire extinguishers, bottled water, and pre-packed food!
Summary
Safety should always come first whether you are taking a vintage vehicle road trip or a trip in any car. Get your pride and joy checked before heading out, and bring emergency supplies, too!
