The warm months are here, and that means it’s time to start planning your summer road trip with your BMW. What do you need to know before you get behind the wheel for this year’s trip?
Tune Up
Before you leave your hometown in the rearview, make sure your BMW is road-trip-worthy. The last thing you want is to ruin your journey by getting stranded on the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere. It’ll derail your trip, but you’ll also find yourself on the receiving end of a pricy towing bill. Take your car to the shop and make sure it’s in good enough shape to carry you through your travels.
Pack Smart
You’ll need to ensure everything you take for your trip fits comfortably in your BMW without crowding you out — and that it’s all easily accessible. There’s nothing worse on a road trip than needing something and realizing it’s packed in the bottom of your trunk. Stock up on snacks and drinks for the time you’ll spend between gas stations, so you’re not tempted to stop at every fast food joint you come across.
Rest Often
It might not seem like you’re doing much, but driving can be exhausting. It’s a good idea to take a 15-minute break every two hours while you’re on the road and to limit your driving to eight hours every day. Big truck stops will be some of the best places to stop during your trip, especially if you’re not planning on staying in a hotel. They’ve got food, showers, entertainment and a safe place for you to park for the night if you’re sleeping in your car.
Rock Out
What is a road trip without a rocking playlist? Put that high-end BMW sound system to good use and create a playlist to keep you entertained and singing at the top of your lungs while driving. Just make sure you like the songs you choose — you definitely don’t want to spend too much time finding with your phone while you’re driving.
That distraction can be downright dangerous, and the last thing you want to do is ruin your trip by getting into an accident because you just had to find the perfect song.
Plan Well
We love the idea of taking off without a care or a plan and just seeing where the road takes you, but that can come back to bite you. There are stretches of highway, especially in the Midwest, where you can easily go hundreds of miles without seeing another human soul — or a gas station.
Calling AAA for rescue when you’re in the middle of nowhere could end up being expensive, even if all you need is a can of gas. Take the time to plan your road trip before you leave your driveway.
Have Fun
Finally, the most important thing to remember is that the whole point of taking your BMW on a road trip is to have fun. Enjoy seeing your home country from the open road instead of the air. It’s a fantastic way to change your perspective and gives you something exciting to do during the warm summer months.