Hitting the road for a trip is probably the most popular American pastime. After all, there’s nothing quite like packing up the car, cranking up the tunes & setting off on an adventure! But while we all want to make our road trips easier, not all of those road trip tips & tricks are winners. Here are 12 “hacks” that, well, just don’t work.
Featured Image Credit: grki /Depositphotos.com.
Using Plastic Bags as Makeshift Coolers
You might’ve thought a plastic shopping bag & some ice could save you from buying a cooler…but that’s not true. It turns out that regular plastic bags aren’t great at holding water. Before you know it, you’ve got a backseat puddle & some very soggy snacks. Trust us—investing in a real cooler is much less messy!
Relying Solely on Gas Apps for the Cheapest Prices
Of course, gas apps are handy but they’re not always up-to-the-minute accurate. Gas prices change rather quickly & some stations will give you cash discounts that the apps don’t tell you about. As such, you should use apps as a guide while also keeping your eyes peeled for those roadside signs.
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Placing a Penny in the Tread to Check Tire Health
The old trick of using a penny to check your tire’s tread depth sounds clever—yet it’s not the whole story. A penny can’t give you the lowdown on uneven wear or tell you if it’s time for a change. Instead, you should do yourself a favor & grab a proper tread depth gauge so you can really figure out what’s going on.
Overpacking with Just-in-Case Items
You might think that packing for every possible scenario is a good idea. Unfortunately, all it does is turn your car into a mobile junk drawer and all that extra weight can use up gas like there’s no tomorrow. You’re better off sticking to the essentials & leaving the “might needs” at home.
Using Cooking Spray on the Windshield & Grill to Prevent Bugs from Sticking
Some people seem to think that spraying their grills with cooking spray will keep bugs at bay. However, the truth is that getting any oil on your car can mess with its paintwork—and it just ends up attracting more grime. You should just get a good old-fashioned car wash so that your ride stays looking sharp.
Rolling Down Windows Instead of Using A/C to Save Gas
Oh, the age-old debate—windows down or A/C on to save gas? At highway speeds, rolling down the windows creates drag which can actually use more gas than the A/C. As such, you should feel free to keep cool without the guilt. It’s better for the environment and your finances that way.
Following Trucks to Save Gas
You might’ve heard the idea that driving behind a big rig will save on gas because the larger vehicle will help you avoid any wind drag. And while that’s partially true, it’s also rather risky. It cuts down your reaction time and honestly, saving a few pennies on gas isn’t worth a fender bender–or worse.
Storing Loose Items Under Seats for More Space
Shoving stuff under the seats is a great way to save space but it’s also a nightmare when you need to find something in a pinch. Worst of all, it’s a lot easier to lose things this way, so you should stick to organizers or storage bins.
Using Cruise Control in the Rain
Cruise control is a godsend on long stretches but in the rain? Not so much. It can make it harder to react quickly if you start hydroplaning, which is a much more serious risk than the majority of drivers realize. Instead, you should keep control in your own hands when the weather’s not too great.
Skipping the Pre-Trip Vehicle Check
You should never skip that pre-trip vehicle check, even if your car’s been running fine recently. A quick check can help you catch any small issues that could turn into big problems on the road. Of course, that doesn’t make doing a check any more enjoyable—but just remember that taking this step will help you a lot.
Relying on Fast Food for Meals
Fast food is an easy choice for road trip eats, yet it’s often more expensive & less satisfying than you’d think. And just think about it—you’re paying a lot for what’s essentially glorified slop. As such, packing a cooler with snacks & sandwiches will save you money. It also helps you fight those hunger pangs.
Using Offline Maps Exclusively
Offline maps are great when you’re out of signal range—but only then. They might not have the latest road information, and this could lead to you being stuck in traffic unnecessarily. You should use them alongside real-time map apps to make sure you’re not being led astray by outdated maps.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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