We usually receive in our inbox lots of news brought by car communication agencies, and as you know we are not used to using these means, but this time Ford managed to convince us to change our minds...
With Easter at the door, thousands of people plan to take advantage of the extended weekend to hit the road for what will be, for many, the first big trip of the year. And with this in mind, Ford decided to offer some advice for overcoming traffic jams, and making those unavoidable bearable.
“Our advice to anyone driving during Easter is: plan your trip well, make sure your vehicle is in good working order before leaving and prepare for delays,” said Pim van der Jagt, Director of the European Center for Ford Research. “Taking regular breaks on long journeys is crucial; driver fatigue can affect anyone – most people have no idea how tired they really are.”
10 tips from Ford to make your Easter trips more relaxed:
1. Be organized: Make a list of everything you will need to take with you. It will help ensure you're not already a few hundred kilometers away when you remember that your wallet, cell phone or map is at home. Don't forget an extra set of vehicle keys, driving license, important information about your insurance and a list of useful phone numbers in case of an emergency.
two. Prepare your vehicle: Check the oil level, coolant, brake oil and windshield wiper water levels. Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure, check for cuts and blisters, and ensure the tread depth is at least 1.6mm (3mm is recommended).
3. Locate the Owner's Manual: From finding the fuse box to explaining how to handle a flat tire safely, the owner's manual is full of practical advice.
4. Plan your route and consider an alternative: The shortest route on a map may not be the fastest.
5. Prepare groceries: Prepare something to eat and drink on the way, in case your trip takes longer than expected.
6. Fuel up before you leave: Make sure you are prepared to face some detours and traffic jams on your journey, filling your tank before starting your journey.
7. Keep kids entertained: In-vehicle DVD systems keep kids entertained on long journeys, so don't forget about your favorite movies if your car is equipped with this system.
8. Tune the radio for traffic alerts: Tune in for traffic updates to avoid queues.
9. Choose roadside assistance: Locked vehicle with keys in and filling up with the wrong fuel are two of the most common scenarios roadside assistance companies deal with every day.
10. Take a break: Tired drivers can lose concentration, so take frequent breaks on long journeys.
Text: Tiago Luís
Source: Ford