Preparing For The Ultimate Summer Road Trip
You're just a little preparation and planning away from a memorable road trip
Road trips take many forms, from a CX-9 full of family and friends driving across the country to just you and your MX-5 Miata making a top down blast to a faraway beach or curvy mountain road. The right vehicle, like your Mazda, will make any trip that much better. Here are some tips and tricks that will make any road trip a success.
To Plan or Not to Plan
Everyone has different approaches about how to plan a summer adventure, but without wishing to inhibit spontaneity, we suggest some research. There’s nothing at all wrong with just following any road you choose on a moment’s notice, but the benefit of planning will help make sure you don’t miss something wonderful. Some people are “map and guidebook” types, who plan every minute and turn of their trip down to the last detail, but even if your arm yourself with every map and guidebook ever printed, we can’t understate the value of a good navigation tool, including your Mazda Connect system.
Maintenance
Nothing ruins a road trip more quickly than unanticipated breakdowns, most of which can be avoided with some planning and advance care. Pre-trip inspections and vehicle preparation will reduce stress and help avoid wasting time and money while on the road. Your Mazda dealership is ready to assist you with a pre-travel service plan to get you on the road with confidence, no matter if it’s an engine oil and filter change, full fluids check and service, tire rotation or inflation check. Even though your vehicle will certainly earn its share of dirt, water spots and bug splatter as the miles roll by, we suggest a thorough washing and detailing before you hit the road. It’ll look that much better in all those road photos and selfies.
Our 5 Favorite Accessories
You don’t want your car looking like everyone else’s on your road trip. Accessories offer various levels of customization or personalization that are bound to make your Mazda stand out. Genuine Mazda Accessories are convenient, and as close as your Mazda retailer. Here are a few of our favorites that will enhance your summer journeys:
#1 - Mazda Mobile Start
Why suffer through waiting for a warm vehicle to cool off in the summer heat? Just open the Mazda Mobile Start app on your smartphone and turn your vehicle on ahead of time. The vehicle will cool off (or warm up in the winter) ahead of your arrival.
#2 - Collapsible Cargo Carrier
The perfect addition to the cargo area of any vehicle. This ultimate organizer keeps all those odds and ends from rolling around in the rear of the vehicle. When you’re in a pinch and need to make room for bigger items, the cargo carrier collapses down giving you plenty of storage space.
#3 - Roadside Assistance Kit
You’re busy planning for your trip -- we get it. Instead of curating your own roadside assistance kit, Mazda has created one for you. This kit Includes a folding reflective triangle, flashlight with batteries, dial tire pressure gauge, emergency blanket, rain poncho, cotton gloves, shop towel and a multi-function tool. Often one of the most overlooked items for a road trip, it’s one of the most important.
#4 - Windshield Sunscreen
For the most part, one-size-fits-all things don’t really fit all things. Everyone who has tried to set up a generic Windshield Sunscreen knows exactly how difficult it is to keep one up. Mazda creates sunscreens that are designers specifically for your vehicle. Keep your car cooler, easier.
#5 - Surfboard Carrier
Did you know Mazda creates brackets and carries for your favorite gear? Whether it be a bike, surfboard, skis or a snowboard, genuine Mazda accessories keep your gear safely and securely fastened to the roof of your vehicle.
Accessories can vary by year and model, so check out the Genuine Mazda Accessories site for accessory made for your Mazda.
A well-equipped, thoughtfully-accessorized, and road-ready Mazda will take you nearly anywhere you want to go. A little preparation and advanced planning will ensure you do it all safely, and enjoy the drive.
Don’t forget to share your journey on social using the hashtag #FeelAlive and tagging @MazdaUSA on Twitter and Instagram.
