If you’ve just recently purchased a new vehicle, whether it’s a brand new model or just a car that’s never been driven by another owner, you may be anxious to get out on the road and really see what she can do. But if you’re planning on taking a road trip, there are a few things that you’ll want to know and do before you get out on the open road.
To show you just what these things are, here are three things to do before taking your first road trip in a new car.
Change Your Oil
Although your can may be brand new, Mike Allen, a contributor to Popular Mechanics, recommends that you get an oil change after about the first 20 miles you put in the car.
While this might not seem necessary to you, Allen shares that as a new engine is being broken in, you can often find a lot of metal shavings in the oil after being changed following just 20 miles of driving. But once you get this first few miles under your belt, you don’t see as much of these particles in the oil. Because of this, it’s wise to put some fresh oil into your car pretty soon after you start driving so that you’re operating with fresh, clean oil running through your new engine.
Take It Easy For The First 1,000 Miles
Even after getting your oil changed after the first 20 miles or so of driving, Cherise Threewitt, a contributor to How Stuff Works, recommends that you take it easy when you’re driving during the first 1,000 miles on a new car.
Many experts believe that a new car needs to get broken in before you really push it to the limits. This allows for the car to ensure that everything functions the way it should and warms up your engine for some longer or more intense drives. So if you can manage it, it’s best to keep your RMPs on the lower end until you’ve gotten about 1,000 miles on the odometer.
Pack Your Emergency Kit
Since you’ll be taking your new car on a road trip for the first time, you may not have all of the right emergency equipment already in the car that will ensure you have a safe drive and can handle any emergencies that might come your way while you’re on the road.
According to Brent Rose, a contributor to RoadTrippers.com, some of the best items to include in your emergency kit are a flashlight, extra food and water, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a small set of tools or a multitool, a spare phone charger, and a blanket. So if you don’t have these items in your car yet, make sure you bring them with you on your first road trip.
If you’ve just gotten a new car and you’re wanting to take it on a road trip, consider using the tips mentioned above to take care of a few things beforehand.
