5 Common Vehicle Problems that Occur on Road Trips
Taking a road trip is often considered the classic American vacation, but it’s also one of the most popular forms of travel around the world. Especially in Europe where countries are so close together, many choose to travel by road for multi-weeklong vacations. While this can lead to an exciting journey, there are a number of dangers that can arise on the road which have the potential to ruin a vacation.
Understanding what these dangers are and how to avoid them can keep you safe on your travels.
Are Road Trips the Most Dangerous Way to Travel?
Oftentimes, people tend to forget the dangers that come with driving on the open road considering that driving is a part of daily life for many. However, in a massive decade long study from 2000-2009, it was determined that traveling by vehicle was the most dangerous form when compared to air travel, sea travel, and even commuter buses. Therefore, deciding to take a road trip is, by association, the most dangerous way to travel to your destination.
5 Issues that May Arise During Your Road Travel
With the above fact in mind, it’s important to learn the different types of problems that can arise during your travels. Knowing what may occur and how to pursue legal action following an accident or strange event on the road can help anybody be better prepared.
1) Tire failure
It should go without saying that the tires on a vehicle are one of the most important components. Without working tires, your vehicle is essentially a massive paperweight. Whether it is a nail in the road, poorly constructed roads, or simply tires that have been overused and never replaced, tire failure is a common issue that comes up on road trips.
2) Overheating engine
When people choose to take a road trip, they most often choose a location that is beautiful and one with multiple stops. However, this often means heading into the mountains or canyons, which have steep inclines. Some older vehicles aren’t built for this type of strain, especially when it’s during summer months, and this can lead to the engine overheating.
3) A dead battery
A car battery only has a lifespan of five to seven years, depending on the vehicle, and a dead battery is one of the most common road trip problems. Before heading out on any road trip, always test your battery if it has been in your vehicle for a long amount of time so that you can be sure it won’t die on you.
4) Brake trouble on the road
When it comes to vehicle problems that can occur on the road, few are as dangerous as brakes failing. Brakes have an extremely long lifespan, but road trips place a lot of strain on them due to overuse. If your brakes are already on the older side, it may be time to get them replaced or tuned up in advance of a road trip.
5) Air conditioning problems
Finally, the last thing anybody needs on a warm summer day when taking a road trip is to feel their air conditioning give out. Whether it’s due to an electrical issue or a problem with the system itself, this can quickly lead to discomfort in a vehicle. However, this is also one of the biggest problems that occurs on road trips, typically in conjunction with another major issue such as the engine overheating.
General Tips to Stay Safe on Vacation
With all of the above common problems outlined, it’s worth covering some general tips for staying safe on the road. As you take off on your road trip, be sure to use some of the following:
1) Take your vehicle in for preventative maintenance ahead of your trip
2) Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles
3) Always have an emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle that contains nonperishable food and water
4) Maintain safe distances from other vehicles on the road
5) Utilize services that offer towing and roadside assistance in the event you do break down somewhere
Keep yourself protected on your travels
While there’s never a guarantee you’ll be safe on the road, having an understanding of the common issues and how to avoid them is a great way to reduce risk on a road trip. The last thing any driver wants is to be involved in an accident or to be stranded on the road in an unfamiliar place, so utilize all of the above to bolster your safety while traveling.
