Road trips are a great way to get away from home and experience something new. It can also be a great way to reflect and spend some quality time with friends and family. Depending on where your trip starts and where you plan on heading, packing can be a bit of a hassle. The way you pack your vehicle is so important, as it can make or break your road trip. Today, we’d like to offer some organization tips for your next road trip.

 

Having the Right Vehicle

The first step comes before you even start loading up the vehicle. Simply having the right vehicle makes a major difference for any road trip. You want to make sure that you have enough space in the car for both your luggage to fit and your passengers to sit comfortably. You also want to make sure you’re driving a vehicle that you have experience with, and that you’re comfortable driving. On a long road trip, it is also helpful to get your car thoroughly serviced before leaving to avoid any complications on the road. This way, you’ll have the smoothest drive possible.

 

Pack Smart

When packing your items before loading them in your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure everything is stored effectively. Some strategies to accomplish this can be rolling clothes in your duffle bags instead of folding, or using plastic bins to pack other essentials. This ensures you get the most out of your bags and bins. It’s also helpful for keeping similar items organized, such as toiletries, snacks, or linens. Lastly, have a checklist of only the essentials that you’ll need for your trip. It is easy to get sidetracked and pack things you don’t need, so keeping a list of essential items will keep you on track.

 

Play Tetris

Now it’s time to start loading the luggage into your vehicle! This is where some Tetris experience comes in handy. Here, you’ll basically be organizing the luggage into your vehicle in the most optimal way, utilizing every nook and cranny in the trunk and backseat if needed. You’ll want to make sure that larger, heavier items are kept on the bottom, and everything else is neatly stacked on top. You should also take advantage of folding rear seats, roof racks, or small storage compartments if available. Utilizing and fitting items into empty spaces will go a long way during this step.

 

Always remember to pack smart and plan out what you’re taking before you start throwing everything in your car. Take advantage of your vehicle and the ability it has to add extra space by using folding rear seats, a roof rack, and all space inside the car. If you follow these tips, your next road trip will be comfortable and fun for you and your passengers. Have fun and be safe on your next adventure!

Tags: Greenwood's Hubbard Chevrolet, Hubbard, Packing, Road Trips
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The purpose of a test drive is to see if a vehicle is the right fit for you. Typically, people enter the buying and leasing process with a particular vehicle in mind, and a test drive helps validate whether or not that vehicle is right for then. Needless to say, it’s a critical part of the buying process, which is why we’d like to give you some tips to get the most out of your next test drive. 

 

Act Like it’s Already Your Car 

This means bring or imagine that you have your regular items with you as if you’re on a regular drive. Anything from your phone, chargers, to-go cups, and other items that you deem essential for your day to day drives should accompany you. This will help you to visualize yourself driving the vehicle every day and if it is really the right one for you. 

 

Test the Bluetooth Pairing

Now it’s time to start testing out the technology. Since you’ll most likely have your cell phone on you wherever you go, you should check out the car’s Bluetooth capability. It’s important to test how easy the pairing is, so you can decide whether or not you’ll be using this feature on a daily basis. 

 

Try Parking

It may sound rudimentary, but parking the car is an important part of the test drive. This makes sense, because you will be parking your vehicle multiple times every day. Making sure you can maneuver it easily is important. It’s also good for testing any parking technology your desired vehicle may have, such as the rear camera.  

 

Make Sure it’s Comfortable and Safe for Kids

If you have children or are expecting to become a parent, you should make sure your vehicle will be safe for your children. If you have a booster or safety seat, bring it along and see how compatible it is with the vehicle. If you plan on keeping the car for an extended period of time make sure your little ones won’t become too cramped in the back seat as well. Everyone deserves a comfy, safe ride in your new vehicle!

 

Ask for Overnight Options

Another great tip is to ask your dealership if they offer overnight test drives. This will allow you to give the vehicle a try for the day as if it were already yours, so you can really get a feel for what it’s like to go through your daily routine with the vehicle. This is the ultimate test drive for a new vehicle, so take advantage if the option is available. 

 

Have a Plan

Our most important tip is to have a plan. We recommend having a written plan on things to check for and try out during your test drive. This could be a planned route or features that you think are essential. This way, you’ll be 100% prepared and know what’s important to you in your new car search. 

 

One important thing to remember is that this is your test drive and a vehicle is a big investment. In order to be happy with your purchase you should take the time to get to know the vehicle before you make the investment. You could be driving in this new purchase for a long time and you don’t want to miss out on the perfect vehicle for you. Make the most of your test drive, and take advantage of all the options available to you. Happy car hunting!

Tags: Greenwood's Hubbard Chevrolet, Hubbard Dealership, Test Drive
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