If you’re interested in investing in real estate, road trips may be about much more than just the journey. They also give you the opportunity to check out potential investments and the diverse areas that surround them.
As Dallas’s real estate market continues to grow, there has never been a better time to set off in pursuit of hidden real estate gems. A real estate road trip provides the perfect chance to check out promising listings in person and get first-hand experience of the neighborhoods and areas that would best suit your needs.
Before you hit the road, it pays to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the trip ahead. Read on as we share what you need to know to prepare your car for a road trip!
Getting Real Estate Road Trip Ready
Service Your Car
Is your vehicle due for its next minor or major service? If so, it’s recommended that you have this service done by a professional before you set off. A trusted mechanic or car dealership can perform all the necessary service items and maintenance you need for a safe trip.
If you request it, they can also do a thorough inspection of your car and notify you of any other repairs or concerns that need your attention. When your vehicle is properly serviced, it will be more economical on fuel and more reliable in general, ensuring you can maximize your enjoyment and minimize stress.
Check Your Insurance for Roadside Assistance
Things can go wrong when you least expect them, so it’s a good idea to take a moment to review your car insurance policy. Many affordable car insurance policies include roadside assistance services, such as towing, fuel delivery, lockout services, and tire changes. If your plan doesn’t, consider adding coverage for peace of mind during your road trip.
Make sure you also have your insurance card and roadside assistance contact numbers easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Do a Complete Vehicle Inspection
Check Your Tires
Even if your car is freshly serviced, there may be small things you can do before your real estate road trip to keep it in tip-top shape.
Start with an inspection of your tires. Check the tread depth on each of your tires, ensuring that you have at least 2/32” or 1.6mm of depth on all of them. If not, it’s important to replace the tires with worn tread before you set out.
When checking your tires, use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each of them, and don’t forget to check your spare tire, too. Ensure this pressure is in the range specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer and car manual. If possible, take your car in to have your wheels balanced and aligned a few days before your trip.
Next, check that your brakes are working optimally. You can do a visual inspection of your brake pads if you are knowledgeable about car maintenance. That said, the simplest method is to ask your mechanic to check your brakes during a scheduled inspection and service. If your brakes are worn, they will reach out and recommend that you replace them.
Check Your Lights, Fluid, and Battery
Even the simplest features of your car make for a safer, more enjoyable all-American road trip when they’re functioning correctly. Check all your car’s lights before a long trip, switching them on and walking around the car to inspect them visually. Test both your regular beams and your brights, especially if you will be traveling during darker times of day. A family member or friend can help you check your brake lights and tail lights to ensure optimal visibility.
Once you’re happy with the condition of your lights, visually inspect your battery for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. If you notice these signs, or if your battery is more than three years old, take it into a local battery shop for testing and possible replacement.
Lastly, assess your vehicle’s fluid levels, including your engine oil level and your water and coolant levels in the engine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when mixing coolant to keep your engine functioning well and prevent it from overheating.
Pack Essentials for Comfort and Safety
Having essentials on hand during a road trip makes your real estate road trip considerably easier. These can range from vehicle safety necessities to personal items that help keep you comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
For your car, pack:
- Reflective triangles in case of stopping or breakdowns.
- Jumper cables to jump-start your battery if needed.
- Distilled water to replenish your car’s water tank.
- An inflated spare tire and tire-changing jack should you need to put on your spare tire during your trip.
Pack these essentials for yourself:
- A flashlight and spare batteries, or a head torch, to provide you with visibility at night and during early mornings
- A handy multi-tool for a range of tools that you may need
- A first-aid kit containing important supplies to assist you in case of burns, scrapes, cuts, or minor injuries
- Sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, and any other toiletries you may need on the road
- Snacks and bottled water to keep you fueled and hydrated
- A physical map, in case you end up in an area with no signal and you can’t use your GPS
- A power bank and charging cable for your phone and other must-have devices
- A list of emergency contact numbers, including those of close friends or family members, a trusted mechanic, and local police.
Plan Your Route
If you’re setting out to see potential investment properties in Dallas, planning your route and stops ahead will help you make good time and keep you on the right track. Be sure to include regular 15-minute rest periods every few hours in your plans to prevent fatigue.
If you have any additional stops in mind, checking these out in advance will help you include places of interest in your itinerary. It also ensures they will be open when you arrive, and that you can reach your final destination on time and without worry.
Take The Scouts Motto On The Road
Preparing your car for a real estate road trip is a simple process that can have major benefits for your comfort and safety on the road.
Use our guide to prepare yourself and your vehicle for your next trip, and you can expect a smooth, rewarding journey from start to finish.