Let your road trip be a time for well needed family bonding. As we all know, many vehicles now come equipped with DVD players and video games, and teenagers always seem to have their cell phones in their hands. Take an occasional break and interact with each other put those electronic devices away. Some of the best times can be had by playing simple games such as “I spy,” spot the license plate, or maybe even some trivia. These popular games can lead to some serious laughter and might prove the point that time does really fly when you’re having fun.

Take your time and relax on your road trip. A road trip is absolutely no fun when it is rushed or planned so much that everything is “written in stone.” If your travel time to your destination is eight hours, take an extra day. Also, try stopping the car and getting out to explore occasionally—you can use this opportunity to take pictures, visit a local attraction, or even an iconic dinner. Of course there will be a need to have a general itinerary, but keep it flexible and most importantly, RELAX!

Lastly, but most importantly, make sure that your vehicle is in top condition. Keep in mind that, though you are having fun and relaxing, nothing can ruin your vacation faster than an unexpected car problem. Make sure that your vehicle has fresh oil and top off all fluid levels. Also, check your tire pressure and inspect for wear, including your spare. (Read More About Road Trip Maintenance Tips Here) Finally, consider purchasing a roadside assistance plan from a reputable company. Doing these things ahead of time can give you the peace of mind needed to thoroughly enjoy your road trip.

Remember, a little relaxation and laughter goes a long way. With a little planning, preparation, a flexible schedule, and some patience then you are just about guaranteed to have a great time.

Read More About Road Trip Maintenance Tips Here

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• It is a good idea to have an inexpensive vehicle inspection done by a professional before you hit the road as an inspection will cover the lights, brakes, tires, suspension, cooling system, and other basic drive train components

• An air conditioner inspection is also a great idea (especially if you have an older vehicle) because no one wants to be driving in the hot summer without air conditioning

• Always check your tire pressure (most tires require between 30-32 psi) before you leave on a road trip—and remember to check the spare!

• If you packed anything on the roof of the vehicle, double check the manufactures weight recommendations and make sure the majority of the weight is concentrated in the middle of the roof

• Pack an emergency kit, which should include a flashlight, a first aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, rope, and tire inflator

• Bring extra water–a flat tire or breakdown can occur miles from the nearest exit or service station and standing on the side of the highway on a hot afternoon can lead to dehydration

• If you haven’t already done so, take a few minutes to check your owner’s manual to ensure that you know how to change a tire on your vehicle—it’s much better to brush up on your tire changing skills in the comfort of your own driveway than it is to learn on the side of the road

• While driving try to take a 15-minute break every 2 hours as this will help keep you alert and fresh

• Pack plenty of entertainment for the kids—travel toys and games can help pass the time and reduce the chances of hearing “are we there yet?” every 10 minutes

• Always when you travel make sure that everyone has proper identification and required documentation (and this is especially important when traveling across state and national borders)

A road trip can be a fun experience (read more about How to Help Ensure a Relaxing Road Trip). Follow these tips to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable journey.

I haven’t paid the dealer a check, so I don’t have to buy the car.
This is false. You plan on obtaining financing at your credit union, but you don’t have the check in hand yet. The dealer will ask you to sign their contract so they can let you leave in the car until you bring a check back from your credit union. You may change your mind about the car, but once you sign a retail installment contract with a dealer, the dealer has obligated you to purchase the car and can decide to “cash that contract”. At that time there is nothing you can do. Your signed contract is legally binding.

Certified used cars are the best.
Another myth is that you have to purchase a certified car in order to get a good used car. This is 100% inaccurate. Manufacturers use certification as a tool to make the dealer additional money. It forces the consumer to purchase a vehicle from a franchised dealer. These dealers have overhead to pay and they pass these costs along to the customer. They also have multiple profit centers such as service departments and parts departments they will pressure you into using. Don’t be fooled by the word “certified”. Let a MAC representative educate you on the full pre-owned market.

I’ll get a better deal at the dealer if I wait until the end of the month.
Most people think that if they wait until the end of the month dealers are willing to drop prices to meet sales quotas. This is 100% inaccurate as dealers pay the same amount for cars at any point in the month as will you.

Learn more about the car business with a free consultation with a MAC representative nearest you.

Title washing clears away a vehicles branding. Once the branding is eliminated, the car’s value goes up and it’s a lot easier to sell. You can see why so many car owners might be motivated to “wash” their titles. Titles are washed by transferring a salvaged vehicle to a state that doesn’t recognize the brand. When the state issues a new title, it may no longer show that it had been salvaged. If the salvage brand still exists, the seller will move it from state to state until the branding is gone.

Consumers can do an AutoCheck which tracks a vehicle’s history even if it’s moved to another state. Once a vehicle has been branded and that information is reported to AutoCheck, it remains on the record no matter how many states the car is moved through. The title may no longer indicate severe damage, but a vehicle history report will. “Washing” a title doesn’t wash away computer records. Every car at MAC comes with AutoCheck.