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If you have your heart set on a summer road trip, there are a few things you will need to do before you hop in your Kia Soul LX on your getaway trip. For one thing, it's a good idea to check the road conditions on your preferred route to be aware of any detours. You may also want to stop by your local Kia dealer to make sure your car is in good shape before you go. Get Ready for Your Road Trips this Summer Several resources are available to check the conditions of the road before your trip. Each state has a Department of Transportation that will have information about various roads and highways throughout the state. In Maryland, this resource is called CHART (Coordinated Highways Action Response Team), which has information about traffic incidents, live traffic cameras, an interactive map, traffic speed, and severe weather advisories. more In addition to your state resource, you can also download apps for Apple and Android phones. Many of these apps will pull information from state transportation resources, but the apps are often easier to navigate. Some apps may also have step-by-step driving directions to help you get around detours and traffic incidents more quickly. How Else Can You Prepare for a Road Trip? Whether planning a short day trip or a week-long road trip, you will need to be knowledgeable about more than the condition of the road. One smart thing to do is plan multiple routes to your destination so that you can have more flexibility. By planning multiple routes, you can stop at gas stations and restaurants on any route without too much hassle. Two other key preparations before a road trip include: Visit Your Local Kia Dealer It's an excellent idea to visit your local dealership before a road trip to make sure your car is roadworthy. Simply tell the service center that you are planning a road trip, and the mechanics at your dealership will check all the major systems of your vehicle, including your tires, brakes, engine, lights, battery, and oil. Your dealership mechanic may also check your windshield wiper blades and the wiper fluid, particularly if the weather forecast predicts bad weather along the way. Make an Emergency Kit It's also a good idea to have an emergency kit stowed away in your car. Your emergency kit should include road flares, jumper cables, and a multi-tool set to change tires. Many people also pack extra blankets, spare clothes, non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, spare batteries, and a USB power pack. Road trips can be exhilarating, but before you head out on the road, it's best to be as prepared as possible. Be sure to stop by DARCARS Kia of Lanham for a routine maintenance check before your next long trip.

Taking a road trip is a great way to enjoy all that Maryland and elsewhere have to offer. The best way to fully enjoy the journey is by being prepared (part of which includes stopping by your nearest Kia dealer beforehand for a quick maintenance check-up). Here are some tips to make sure your road trip is the grand adventure that you want it to be. 1. Decide on a Route There are always several different routes that can be taken to reach your final destination, so it's important to decide which path you're generally going to follow. Are you the type to try and get to the destination as quickly as possible, or would you rather take a more scenic route and take lots of stops to see other sights? Asking any passengers for their input is important too, as well as making sure that everyone knows what to expect. more 2. Pack Some Emergency Supplies Unfortunately, it's impossible to plan for every possible scenario, but it always pays off to be prepared. Make sure that you have an emergency kit in your Kia! There are plenty of lists online that recommend supplies, the basics almost always including a blanket, extra water, and duct tape. 3. Prepare Some Snacks and Water Bringing along plenty of everyone's favorite snacks will ensure that you can have a smooth trip. For longer drives especially, healthier snacks such as fruit slices, veggies, and granola bars are recommended for an extra energy boost. No one wants to be dehydrated, especially not while trying to enjoy a road trip, so keeping plenty of water close at hand is essential. Have everyone bring along a reusable water bottle that can be refilled as needed. A cooler with extra water is also recommended, especially for hotter locations! 4. Double-Check That You Have the Essentials There are a handful of essential items alongside an emergency kit and snacks that you always want to make sure to bring along on your journey. Sunglasses are important for the driver since the sun can be difficult to deal with while trying to focus on driving for longer periods of time. Make sure to also check that all cell phone chargers, power banks, and adaptors are working and easily accessible. 5. Stop by a Kia Dealer Car-related emergencies are the last things that anyone wants to deal with while on a road trip, so getting a car check-up before hitting the road is smart to make sure that your vehicle has been thoroughly inspected by a team of auto service professionals. This will ensure that your tires have the right amount of pressure in them, as well as plenty of oil and wiper fluid, just in case. Get Your Car Serviced in Lanham, MD Ahead of Your Road Trip Listening to all of these suggestions should help make sure that you're ready to hit the road and make memories that will last forever. Before your next trip, drop by our Kia dealership for the best pre-trip servicing available. Schedule maintenance here!