Packing up the car and heading out on the open road is one of the many great things about living in New Zealand. There are so many amazing destinations just a car ride away, and we’re lucky to have some of the most scenic roads in the world.
If you’re planning a winter escape or dreaming about a summer getaway ahead, here are seven tips for making the trip easier, safer and more enjoyable for your family.
Safety first
Before you hit the road, it’s a good idea to have a fully stocked first-aid kit in your car. Turn your hazard lights on, walk around your car and check all the indicators are flashing properly.
Ensuring you have the best tyres fitted for the driving conditions, making sure they’re inflated to the recommended tyre pressure and having your wheel alignment checked are not only good safety measures, they will also potentially help you save on fuel. More on that later.
Make use of every space
Opening and closing your boot with a wave of your foot under the bumper is a godsend when you’ve got your hands full.
If you’re bringing a lot of gear with you, make use of every space. A hands-free tailgate like the one in the Ford Escape Titanium is pretty useful when you’ve got bagloads of things to put in the car and can just wave it open by putting your foot under the bumper.
Think about placing items you need easy access to in spaces under seats and in the door pockets. These are great spots for wet wipes, and hand sanitiser and tissues in case you need to make any stops at public toilets along the way.
Adaptable rear storage is a godsend, allowing you to fold up the back seats to make more room for things like tents or outdoor equipment.
Get to know your route
If you’re driving to an area you don’t know well, have a look at route before you go. Will you need to fill up your tank on the way?
Having an idea of where you’re heading is great, but don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten track from time to time. You might just discover that hidden gem. Navigation systems are great for knowing the quickest way to get somewhere, but that might not necessarily be the most scenic route. Do some research and consider taking some of the smaller roads rather than state highways. An extra hour added to your drive could end up being the best part of your trip.
Ways to save on your fuel bill
With fuel taxes increasing, we could all do with ways to save on petrol.
Fuel costs can often be higher in remote towns so if possible, fill up in a main centre.
The AA have some handy tips on how to get the most out of your tank of gas. Regular servicing, maintaining the correct tyre pressure and ensuring you have the correct tyres for your regular driving conditions will help, but did you know that keeping your car clean can also make a difference? A clean exterior can streamline your car, and removing unnecessary load inside will create less drag. Having a well maintained car can save you between 10 to 20% on fuel.
Keeping a more constant speed where possible is also a fuel saver. Accelerating or slowing down too rapidly burns more fuel than if you were driving smoothly. It’s best to slowly accelerate or decelerate around a corner rather than braking hard, for example. According to tests conducted by the AA, poor driving style can lead to an increase of 20% fuel usage.
One way to help with maintaining a constant speed is to use a cruise control feature if you have one. The Ford Escape Titanium has Adaptive Cruise Control which is not only great on the open road, it helps in traffic as well. Instead of having to turn cruise control on and off, it will adapt when it senses traffic is slowing.
Have snack packs ready to go
A long trip calls for lots of snacks! If you’re travelling with young kids, think about putting together their own lunch boxes filled with items that are easy to eat on the go, such as wraps, fruit slices, cheese, and muesli bars. Keep food items in a cooler bag in the footwell for easy access.
A plastic cereal container lined with a plastic bag makes a handy receptacle for any rubbish.
Gear up with games
A great way to make a trip memorable is to have lots of games that whole family can join in. Some favourites are Car Bingo, where everyone chooses a car colour and keeps score of how many they spot, and ‘Eat the Alphabet’ where one person names a food beginning with the letter A (“I’m eating an Apple”) and the next chooses B and their food and so on.
If you have time ahead of your trip, put together a Scavenger Hunt sheet with common road signs and things the kids are likely to see along the way. Get them to mark off each thing as you go.
You could even make getting directions to your destination a fun game and make the kids repeat the voice-assisted directions on your GPS. Or if you are keen on a sing-along sync your Spotify playlists with your Escape Titanium for your own car karaoke!
If you don’t mind the kids being on screens in the car then load them up with their favourite movies and shows, and make sure they have their own headphones before you go.
Prepare for nap time
Sleeping in the car is the easiest way to pass the time if you’re not driving. Before you head off make sure you’ve got some mini pillows and even a light blanket that the kids can snuggle into on a long trip. Depending on how far you’re going and how well your children travel, consider heading off first thing in the morning or late in the evening when they’re tired to give you the best chance of having a peaceful trip.
While the young ones are sleeping, the Ford Escape Titanium allows you to sit back and relax in style!
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