Monday, July 29, 2019

Convertible Road Trip Essentials



One of the best feelings in the world is being on the open road, headed to a new and exciting destination. The only thing that could make an exciting road trip even better is taking your convertible along for the ride! We know that traveling in a convertible can be different than traveling in a typical car, so it might be intimidating for the first-timer. Here are our top five essentials that you need when making a road trip in your convertible.

Soft Top Repair Supplies


Accidents happen. Whether you hit a stray tree branch or you hit bad weather, soft tops can be prone to damage. This can be especially worrisome if you are trying to complete a multi-hour drive. It’s always smart to keep a quick soft top repair solution in your car, regardless of the occasion. However, it’s especially important to have something on hand for a long road trip. We recommend something compact and easy-to-use such as Gear-Aid Tenacious Tape or Tear-Aid. These instant solutions will have your soft top patched up and ready to be back on the road in no time. For a more detailed explanation of these products, check out our blog about the different kinds of convertible repair supplies.

Roadside Emergency Kit


The primary concern of your trip should always be safety. Ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers by being prepared in case of any emergencies. Make sure you have essentials like jumper cables, a first aid kit and flashlight at the very least. For those wanting to be extra ready, check out this nifty kit available on Amazon. It includes everything you might need for a number of emergencies, including the essentials previously mentioned and even containing helpful extras such as an emergency sign, gloves and bungee cord. The kit contains 33 pieces, so you’ll be sure to have something on hand in the event of any mishaps.

Car Fluids


Especially if you have an older vehicle, it’s important to keep fluids on hand in case you are in a remote location in which roadside assistance cannot reach you. It’s a smart move to have car fluid on hand to make a quick DIY repair to get you to a safe location in which help can get to you. Make sure to bring a gallon of water in case your car overheats, antifreeze and oil. Other fluid options include transmission fluid, wiper washer fluid and brake fluid, just in case. Make judgments of what fluids to bring with you based on the needs of your specific vehicle. It’s also a good idea to get your car inspected before your trip to ensure your car is in good shape for traveling.

Paper Map or Route Screenshots


In the digital age, paper maps have somewhat gone out of style. Why bother with a large, cumbersome piece of paper when you can simply look up directions on your phone with GPS? Although this tactic may work when we’re within range of a good cell signal, it’s entirely possible that you will lose bars as you drive through rural areas. It’s smart to keep a map on hand in case you get hopelessly lost, or at the very least, screenshot your route on your phone so you know where you are going. If you’re a fan of Google Maps, you can keep the app open and it won’t end the route if you go outside of cell signal. The app can even pinpoint where you are, although it can’t reroute.

Tire Chains


This essential really only applies if you are traveling during the winter or to a destination where there is likely to be snow. However, if you’ve ever encountered an unexpected snowstorm, you know how important tire chains can be to the success of your trip. It’d be a shame to have to turn around due to bad weather when it can be easily solved with these compact tools. Additionally, state police often require the possession of tire chains to ensure the safety of those on the road.

For any roadtrip, you need to make sure you’re prepared. If your convertible top is ready for a tune up, make sure to shop at AutoTopsDirect.com and work with one of our preferred suppliers!

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