Quick Spring Break Travel Tips

On of the weeks all students and teachers look forward to most is right around the corner. Do you and your family have any special spring break plans? The Reed Factor has a few quick tips and suggestions to consider bore you hit the open road.

Prepare your vehicle: Check your tire pressure, brakes, battery, oil and coolant. Not sure where to go? Here is a quick tip for our Houston area friends, Quick Lane in Spring, Humble and Porter give free battery and brake checks! Dallas friends our Quick Lane at Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford in Garland, Texas and Quick Lane at Park Cities Ford also has great offers like a free battery and brake checks! In the McKinney, Texas area, try Service Xpress at McKinneyWw.com also services all makes and models. They even offer a World Class Service Valet that lets you get service without leaving your home of office.

Plan your route: Set your destination in your navigation well before your departure. This keeps your eyes on the road while driving and can give you an idea of long your trip might be.

Check the weather and road conditions: Even for the most experienced drivers, road hazzards and bad weather can be challenging and stressful.  The Federal Highway Administration’s is one resource you can use to pre-plan your departure.

Always be prepared: It is better to be safe than sorry. You should always be prepared for a flat, dead battery, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Watch your speed: Speedy to cut travel time is especially risky when highways are packed with traffic. It’s just not worth it. Plus, state police will be out with a radar ready for the rule breakers.

How to save fuel on the road: Long trips are the best way to boost your MPG score.

• Avoid aggressive driving. Not only can it be dangerous, but constant speed changes and quick, uneven stops and starts also waste a lot of fuel. Taking it easier behind the wheel can improve your gas mileage by as much as 33%.
• Set your cruise control. It’s almost always more fuel-efficient to travel at a constant speed whenever possible.
• Try to avoid idling. It’s more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine when you’re waiting in the car.
• Don’t speed. Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 MPH.

In case of an emergency, keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times. AAA and many other companies offer smartphone applications that enable motorists to request help without making a phone call.

You can’t control other drivers’ actions on the road, especially with busy road days, but you can prep, slow down and take actions to help keep yourself and others as safe as possible.

The Reed Factor hopes you have a great and safe spring break of 2019! If you need new tires, automotive service or are ready for a new car, truck or SUV visit ReedHasIt.com.