Regular car maintenance encompasses a range of practices, from routine oil changes and tire rotations to keeping the exterior and interior in pristine condition. By adhering to a comprehensive maintenance schedule, you not only prevent potential breakdowns but also contribute to the overall performance and efficiency of your vehicle. Moreover, a well-maintained car retains its resale value, allowing you to get the most out of your investment when the time comes to upgrade.

From Traditional Waxing to Cutting-Edge Ceramic Sealing

When it comes to taking care of your prized possession on four wheels, there’s more to it than just driving it around town. Your car is an investment, a reflection of your style, and a trusted companion on your journeys. That’s why car care isn’t just a chore; it’s a form of respect you show to your vehicle. But with a multitude of options out there, from time-honored traditions to revolutionary technologies, how do you choose what’s best for your wheels?

The Time-Tested Classics: Waxing and Polishing

Waxing and polishing have been the backbone of car care for ages. They’re like a gentle massage for your vehicle’s exterior, restoring its luster and protecting it against the elements. Picture it as giving your car a spa day – a bit of pampering that goes a long way. When you wax or polish your car, you’re not just adding shine; you’re forming a shield that guards against minor scratches and UV rays.

Waxing and polishing have their perks, for sure. They’re accessible and budget-friendly, making them a go-to for many car enthusiasts. But let’s keep it real – they require regular attention. Just like your hair needs touch-ups, your car’s exterior needs consistent waxing or polishing to maintain that head-turning shine.

Taking It Up a Notch: Paint Protection Film (PPF)

Imagine having an invisible armor for your car – that’s what paint protection film (PPF) brings to the table. It’s like the superhero cape your car always deserved. PPF is a transparent, super-tough layer that shields your paint from chips, scratches, and the tiny projectiles that roads throw your way. It’s like having a force field against everyday hazards.

The cool thing about PPF is its resilience. It’s self-healing, meaning minor scratches disappear over time. However, PPF isn’t just a DIY project; it requires professional installation for optimal results. And yes, this added layer of protection comes with a bit more cost compared to traditional waxing.

Modern Magic: Ceramic Sealing

Now, let’s talk about the new kid on the block – ceramic sealing. This tech-savvy approach offers the best of both worlds: aesthetics and protection. Think of it as a high-tech shield for your car’s paint. Ceramic sealing involves applying a liquid polymer that forms a protective layer over the paint. This layer repels dirt, water, and contaminants, making cleaning a breeze.

Ceramic sealing doesn’t just stop at protection; it takes the shine to a whole new level. The finish it creates is like the glossy pages of a magazine. Plus, it’s durable, resisting the sun’s rays and the wear and tear of everyday driving. But, like any superhero, it has its kryptonite – you might need professional help for application, and it’s not invincible against every kind of damage.

While ceramic sealing offers a range of benefits, it’s essential to approach this technology with a balanced perspective. Like any product, it’s not without its limitations. For a comprehensive understanding of the potential drawbacks of ceramic sealing, one can refer to informative resources like the article “Keramikversiegelung Nachteile” on GarageWiki (https://garagewiki.de/keramikversiegelung-nachteile/). This resource offers insights into aspects that may influence your decision, such as application challenges, costs, and the need for professional expertise.

In conclusion, the significance of car care cannot be overstated. It’s a testament to responsible ownership, a safeguard for your investment, and a means to enhance your driving experience. The advent of ceramic sealing adds a layer of advanced protection to your vehicle, elevating its appearance and performance. As with any technology, it’s crucial to consider both its merits and drawbacks. By embracing a holistic approach to car care, you ensure that your automobile not only reflects your style but also stands the test of time.

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Usa is the best option for hitchhiking

The United States is famous for its long roads, beautiful nature and interesting sights. The country is considered the best option for tourists who prefer to hitchhike. This type of travel originated in this country.
The peak of popularity fell on the 60-70s of the 20th century, but now it continues to actively develop thanks to the Internet. On the network, it is easy to find many volunteer groups and special applications that give the addresses of people who are ready to take to a certain city for free and even provide overnight accommodation for travelers.

Based on these proposals, you can build your own route, meet interesting people, explore small towns and local attractions. It is worth going to protected areas. Youwill be able to admire untouched forests, rocks, mountains, canyons. Bloggers will be able to take stunning photos for posting on social networks.

Spain – for lovers of emotional relaxation and pleasant impressions

Spain enjoys great popularityamong tourists. The country is distinguished by responsive people and rich culture. Voting people on the roads can count on free trips. It will be possible to travel comfortably on various modes of transport.
Thanks to special groups and applications, you makeyour trip unforgettable. Some hostels accommodate tourists for free in exchange for doing simple work – help in the kitchen, cleaning the premises, etc.
Spain attracts with its architecture, local flavor, naturalattractions. Guests are welcomed warmly, treated to local drinks and dishes. When visiting small towns, we recommend you to evaluate unpopular sights – churches, parks, reserves, workshops.
You can ask for an overnight stay on farms, but it is better to volunteer in advance so that you do not have to sleep on the street. If this does not work, try to spend the night in the local church or mosque.

Germany – a country of well-groomed villages and medieval castles

Germany is 100% hitchhiking. Drivers, regardless of the vehicle, have a positive attitude towards tourists and are happy to give them a ride without asking for payment. In addition, they can feed local dishes, invite them to spend the night.
Travelers canearn extra money when visiting small towns. Farms and farmland are very common throughout the country. Vegetables, fruits, berries, grains are grown. You can participate in the harvest for a small fee. Some farmers provide the opportunity to live inwell-heated rooms in exchange for working in the fields or caring for animals.

On the territory of Germany there are many medieval castles. Many of them are located in small towns. They are open to the public for a nominal fee. You’ll be able to see the building, the utensils, you can learn about the history of the structure. Most of the buildings are made in a Gothic style and amaze the imagination.

Germany will also appeal to hitchhiking fans with its churches. Some of them are several hundred years old. You can visit such attractions forfree. You will be able to enjoy the original architecture and save the budget.

Vietnam is the country of the most benevolent people

Most fans of hitchhiking tourism prefer to visit European countries. However, it is worth turning your attentionto Asia. Of course, during the trip you will have to face a language barrier. Even in English, not everyone speaks English, but the hospitality of the local people is simply amazing.

Most travelers note that it is in Vietnam that they are most warm to tourists who hitchhik. Drivers, regardless of the vehicle, are happy to pick up travelers. They do not take money from them, being offended when they are offered even symbolic amounts. In total, they are ready to advise the best hotelsand hostels, will tell you about the sights and places that are worth visiting while in the country.

Vietnam has low prices for food and housing. Volunteers willing to receive travelers are few, but tourists can rent a room from local residents orrent a place in a hostel.

The country has many natural and architectural attractions. Some can be visited for free. Many temples are open around the clock, will surprise anyone with their decoration.

It is worth trying the local dishes. They are made from simpleingredients, are light and have an interesting taste. Street food is in particular demand. The cost is symbolic. Often seafood is used in the preparation.
France – a paradise for travelers

Many tourists recommend France for traveling by carstop. However, there is an opinion that rest here requires a lot of expenses. The standard of living of the population is high, as a result, the trip costs a solid budget.
Volunteers help to save on accommodation. You can agree in advance with them to provide freehousing. If you do not visit large cities, it will take some money. Hitchhiking, you will be able to visit castles, wineries, gastronomic festivals.
To save as much as possible, it makes sense to learn in advance about cultural events and make a planfor the implementation. In one trip, you can visit popular and little-known castles, wineries, reserves. Local drivers are happy to drive travelers, treat local dishes.

Findings

When choosing a country for hitchhiking, its features should be taken into account. Knowledge of the language is not very important. However, it is worth speaking at least in English in order to get help if necessary or have a phrasebook with you. It is important to apply for a visa, otherwise you will have to deal with the police.

In addition, it is necessary to be vigilant. There are scammers in every country. For a trip, they can require money or specially take it to a completely different place. Keep the bulk of the funds on the card, so itis more difficult to steal them from the mountains of azdo. It is better to travel lightly, do not take a lot of things with you.

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Real money savings

Hitchhiking is not a newfangled trend. The real boom occurred in the 60-70s of the XX century. Today, the popularity of this direction has declined, but many choose it to save money. Totravel to different cities in the United States within a month, you need to have up to $ 500.

The main item of expenditure is plane tickets. Travelers don’t spend more than $10 a day. Thanks to the drivers, the road is free. Special applications of volon ters help to save on overnight accommodation. They indicate the addresses of people who are ready to provide housing for several nights without payment.

Some travelers manage to earn money on vacation. The application has the addresses of shops, farms, hostels, motels, ready to provide overnight accommodation orpayments for the performance of simple work. Tourists receive guests, wash dishes, clean rooms, harvest crops. For this, they can live for free or receive payment.

Non-standard routes

Hitchhiking travels not only tourists who have a small budget for recreation. People who are tired of standard routes and sightseeing of the main attractions often choose a non-standard type of trips. In this case, there is an effect of surprise: a person does not know where he will be in the coming days, what emotions await him.

Thanks tothe hitchhiking, you will be able to get to unpopular cities and get acquainted with their way of life, architecture, try the local cuisine, get to know interesting people. You will be able to get non-standard emotions and vivid impressions. You may want to move to a certain city and settle there for a long time.

Meet new people

In the process of hitchhiking, you manage to meet different people. Do not think that tourists are brought only by drivers of trucks and trucks. Some manage to ride an expensive jeep or Cadillac. It’s okay to get a variety of contacts, and some have even managed to find business partners or meet a soul mate.

In a conversation with the driver of the car, you can find similar interests. By exchanging contacts, it will be possible to find new friends, whoin the future will support or become partners in a startup or advise someone who can solve a complex problem.

New and unexpected places

Well-established tourist routes offered by popular companies, many are tired. Thanks to hitchhiking, you will be able to visit small towns or large megacities and explore them in more detail. There is no need to follow the guide, you can stay for a few days in a small village and explore its sights. It can be an old pottery workshop, a local factory for making shoes or clothes from environmentally friendly materials with a centuries-old history or a farm where rare breeds of cows or horses are grown.
Many small business owners offer travelers to try themselves in a non-standard roleand. There will be a chance to try on the profession of a shoemaker, potter, shepherd or veterinarian assistant. This pastime is more interesting than lying on deck chairs and viewing paintings in galleries.

Vivid photos and original content for social networks

Beginner blogers can get cool content for themselves for the subsequent promotion of an account in social networks and a personal website. Photos against the background of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Taj Mahal and the pyramids have not surprised subscribers for a long time. However, exclusive pictures of the beauties of a small town, an old pottery workshop, a story about the history of the village, where grapes have been grown for centuries, will interest many. Vlogs will collect tens of thousands of views.
To constantly be interesting to the audience, you will have to shoot videos from little-known places. The easiest wayto hitchhike them is to travel to different countries. The content will be as exciting as possible, will gain a lot of likes and comments. Thanks to it, it will be possible to bring the blog to a new level, increase the number of subscribers, which will have a positive impact on the beginningof the bot. Advertisers will offer to promote their services for a solid fee.

To constantly be interesting to the audience, you will have to shoot videos from little-known places. The easiest wayto hitchhike them is to travel to different countries. The content will be as exciting as possible, will gain a lot of likes and comments. Thanks to it, it will be possible to bring the blog to a new level, increase the number of subscribers, which will have a positive impact on the beginningof the bot. Advertisers will offer to promote their services for a solid fee.

Discretion

The purpose of any trip is not only a change of scenery. Tourists are eager to get new emotions. Hitchhiking can be considered an excellent solution. The absenceof a twie route will give a huge adrenaline rush.
The traveler is not constrained in making decisions. You can visit any city, explore a little-known attraction for a number of reasons, choose an inexpensive hostel for the night.
Fans of gambling entertainment canvisit offline establishments in the country or online casino from their mobile gadget. Palmsbet, Selector, 8888 Casino and many others are available online.
The tourist forms the schedule independently, he has no restrictions. You can change plans on the go or use local sites to make a list of places to visit. It’s easy to consult with locals to choose the most interesting places. Most people treat tourists positively. Some even go with them as guides and treat them to lunch.

What do I need to consider?

It’s important to understand that whenyou hitchhiking, you have to take all the risks. Not everyone who wants to give a ride is loyal to tourists. For some, they are an easy victim of deception. And not everyone goes to crime. Some pull money for gasoline, for performing certainservices, can be taken to an unfamiliar place and demand a fee to return a person back.

It is quite possible to protect yourself as much as possible. Volunteers from all over the world create various communities where they share contacts. You can build your route in sucha way as to stay with them, and for traveling by car, choose only proven drivers who have joined the community for a long time and actively use the services of the site themselves.

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However, the diversity of scenery, climate, and cultural traditions make choosing a route challenging. In order to take the most out of your trip, plan it beforehand and think of the way you’d like to spend your journey. Would you like to relax on the Pacific coast, gamble in Las Vegas, or explore Yellowstone National Park? Perhaps you’d want to immerse yourself in the cowboy traditions of the Wild West, or you’d like to visit New York’s many museums and exhibit halls.

The routes listed below cover different cultural, architectural, and geographical strata of the United States. Let us see which one catches your attention the best!

1. Exploring the Pacific Coast Highway

You may take two variations of this car journey, depending on your schedule and objectives. 

Take a 650-mile trip down the California coast, ending at Big Sur or Carmel, and experience numerous beaches and breathtaking scenery along the route. Visit the renowned Santa Barbara beaches, such as Muscle Beach, and try your hand at surfing on the waves at Pismo Beach. Enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of the Channel Islands, taking pictures of the towering cliffs and seal colonies. Feel the healing effect of large sequoia trees at Big Sur.     

If you’re still ardent to go further, take another 1,700 miles along California, through Oregon, and to Washington. Explore the hipster philosophy and ethnic variety at Carmel, Monterrey, Pescadero, visit the monolith Hearst Castle, and enjoy the drive along the Bixby Creek Bridge. The latter runs across the mountains and faces the Pacific Ocean. 

2. Drive Down the Mississippi

This legendary river is worth exploring in its full length. This trip will take you through 10 U.S. states and is about 2,000 miles long. It includes several roads and lets you change the scenery from granite quarries and the cold beauty of Minnesota parks to the old architecture and swamps of Louisiana. 

Whatever road you will take, you’ll see the gorgeous forest and rock landscapes combined with the calmness of the Great River. There are multiple spots for fishing on the way as well if you’re in for this sport. You’ll see numerous plantations and will be able to taste the corn, baked potatoes, and meat at local fests. 

Your route should definitely include the classic American city of Memphis, the city of jazz New Orleans and St. Louis. Take a peek at Hannibal, a tiny town where Mark Twain grew up and which he portrayed in his novel about Tom Sawyer’s travels.

3. Up the Blue Ridge Parkway

This 460-mile route, which goes across two states, Virginia and North Carolina, will showcase the splendor of the northern United States. It comes along the rocks, with the constant view on the ridge that is a part of the Appalachian mountains. Prepare to make numerous photo stops along the way because the beauty of nature is combined here with exquisite handmade decorations. The latter were designed by landscape artist Stanley Abbott, who is considered a father of a parkway for his design ideas. 

The trail starts in Shenandoah National Park, a wildlife refuge. There are waterfalls, wildflower valleys, and woods teeming with bears and deer. On another end of the route, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park completes the experience of this panoramic trip. Because of its well-preserved ancient period legacy, the park will be of interest not only to nature lovers but also to archaeologists and historians. There are many camping and hiking possibilities along the road, as well as mountain climbing routes.

4. Arizona Highlights

The primary attraction of this route is the Grand Canyon with its bizarre ornaments of the rock soil layers and breathtaking curves of the rocks. Even so, you won’t be staring at your gadgets for the whole 240-mile journey. The route offers multiple biking opportunities, picturesque hiking sites, and mountain climbing routes. Those who like history and geology will undoubtedly make many discoveries.

Depending on your starting point, you can begin or end your road trip at Phoenix. There you can take a photo or even climb Camelback Mountain, explore the famous red rocks at Papago Park, and see the Desert Botanic Garden’s blooming diversity. Take a cultural tour of the Phoenix museums (such as the Heard Museum or the Musical Instrument Museum) and art objects including Roosevelt Row. 

5. Journey from Denver Across Colorado

If you’re ready to spend a week or so on a road trip, take the 420-miles drive along the key attractions of the Centennial State. This journey includes multiple nature resorts and parks, as well as works of art, culture, and architecture. During the trip, you can visit the Navajo Reservoir, the largest in the state, and try to catch salmon in its waters. The Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park is a must-see since it has the fewest tourists of any national park in the United States, allowing you to experience the natural environment practically as it is. If you like hiking, you’ll appreciate the impressive panoramic views and climbing routes of this park. 

Your trip will take you through two major cities, Denver and Montrose, and numerous small towns like Town of Crawford with their own flavor and architecture. Denver is well-known for its variety of entertainments and amusement parks, as well as many museums (including Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, Forney Museum of Transportation, and others) and art items. 

Don’t forget to stop by the Colorado Creative Corridor, which is a combination of rural life depiction and a variety of art items.

The post 5 Best Road Trips to Take in the U.S. appeared first on Carpoolvote.

Each driver and passenger has unique tastes and needs, and they most likely create their own list of items to bring along on a road trip. However, there are certain essential items that will almost certainly come in useful on any journey. Check the list below both before and after you pack. These necessities may make your trip a little more pleasant and, as a result, stress-free.

1. A Pillow and a Blanket 

Even if you don’t plan to sleep in the vehicle, a pillow and a blanket will most likely come in handy. When the air conditioner is on, or the wind is flowing through a slightly opened vehicle window, you may wish to cover yourself in a blanket. The pillow will also be good support for your neck and head. For comfortable seating, use a special travel pillow or a regular compact pillow. Having a separate seat cushion for car and a pillow to lay your head on is still a good idea.

2. Comfortable Clothes and Shoes

Everyone who’s ever been at least on a 2-hour drive knows well how a comfortable outfit can make your day. No matter if you drive alone or accompany a driver as a passenger, it’s crucial to wear clothes that let you move freely and feel as comfortable as possible. Certainly, your individual style and taste will prevail when it comes to clothing selection. Still, there are a few universal recommendations that will make your drive less stressful: 

• Choose natural clothing. Sitting in a relatively confined area, mostly in the same position, doesn’t provide much ventilation. That’s why, while traveling in a car, it’s essential to wear natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, and so on. These clothes don’t cause sweating and let your skin breathe. 
• Wear the outfit that lets you be comfortable in any position. During a long drive, you may want to sit straight, lean back, or even curl up on the car seat. So, it’s important that your clothes let you do it without restricting your movements. 
• Bring a jacket or shirt to put on during the stops. Outside the vehicle, particularly at night, it is often chilly.
• Wear slippers while in the car. Sitting motionless may cause fatigue and uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Slippers allow you to be comfy while not straining your feet for an extended length of time.

3. Headphones and a Gadget

A good mood is important during a long drive. If your musical preferences don’t match the tastes of other passengers, you can still listen to your favorite music without disturbing anyone. A set of headphones is a must for that. Over-ear headphones are usually more comfortable for long-term wearing. However, if you don’t plan to listen to the music for a long time or don’t expect to have protection from outer sounds (for example, someone’s snoring), you can choose small Bluetooth headphones that do not take up much space. 

Make sure the audio device you’re using is compatible with your headphones and that it’s fully charged. Because Internet connection on the road may be spotty, it’s a good idea to have a playlist of downloaded songs to listen to when offline. Include some relaxing audio like nature’s sounds or lounge music. 

4. Bad Weather Protection

Despite the fact that your vehicle keeps you safe from the weather conditions outside, you should still go outdoors at least once. During a long drive, the weather might change drastically, and not having any protection might cause you discomfort. It’s no good to clutter up your trunk or a car interior either. So, here’s the list of must-have articles for any drive: 

• Sunglasses. If you’re a driver, sunglasses should always be at hand. Even an occasional beam of the sun might blind and cause discomfort. If you’re a passenger, having sunglasses will let you be comfortable no matter what seat you take and on which side of the car. They’re also good to have on during the stops in a windy area, in order to protect your eyes from the dust.      
• A hat. This article will be used during stops only. For a sudden rain, burning sun, or even strong wind tending to entangle your hair, it’s good to have a cover on your head. A small hat with the chin strap will spare you at least irritation at unexpected weather changes. 
• An umbrella or a raincoat. Depending on how much space you have, you can take an umbrella or a raincoat for rain protection. It becomes especially valuable during sudden car breakages on the road—a raincoat can also serve as a mat to get under the car and inspect it. 

5. Snacks and Drinks

Even if you have a thorough plan of your route with the places to eat, snacks and drinks will never be in excess on a lengthy trip. It frequently seems like chewing something when there isn’t much to do. However, cleaning up the crumbles may be time-consuming. The following suggestions may be useful in this regard:

• Reusable package. Take snacks that are sealed in packaging with a zipper or similar closure. Your area will be cleaner if you keep your snack zipped up.
• Non-crumble food. Avoid chocolate (gets melty), crumbling cookies, and greasy pies. The majority of it sticks to the vehicle seat, floor, and other surfaces, and it may even get on your clothing.
• Healthy food. Too greasy and heavy food might make you uncomfortable. Before eating, choose something light and double-check the expiry date. See some ideas for healthy snacks on food websites and blogs. 
• Water. Water is preferred above other beverages. It has no negative health consequences and isn’t a big deal if you spill it on your vehicle seat or your clothing every now and again.

6. Medication

Your car’s first aid kit should, without a doubt, include all essential items. Before you go on your trip, double-check it, replace any medications that have expired, and add any that are missing from the list. 

Meanwhile, prepare for a roadside emergency and take any additional medications that may be required. This includes, first and foremost, any medications you use on a regular basis (if any). Take a few extra tablets or ampoules in case the journey takes longer than expected.

Anti-nausea tablets are another medicine to have on hand. Keep in mind that some of these medicines should be taken at least half an hour before traveling. Just in case, take some paper bags, too, and make sure you can reach them quickly. 

7. Garbage Bags and Napkins

Sometimes, you need to throw something in the trash and wonder what to do with it in a car. A used napkin, a piece of food that fell on the floor, an empty bottle end up stuffed into different vehicle compartments, littering the inside. Having a trash bag on hand (preferably with ties to keep it tight) solves this problem and saves you time for cleaning up during stops. 

Napkins (both dry and wet) will accomplish the same goal of keeping yourself and your vehicle clean. To prevent allergic reactions or irritation in any of the passengers, use the unflavored ones.

8. Car Consumables 

The road trip can bring unforeseen challenges like heavy rain, unexpected bumps on the road, or a longer drive than planned. That’s why, even if you’ve been to a service station and checked all mechanisms and fluids, it’s worth double-checking whether the following items are in your car:

• Jumper cables. No matter if you have a brand-new battery or if your old one is still working well, jumper cables should be within your reach. Long stops with the lights on, music, and smartphones and laptops charging may cause the battery to deplete quicker than anticipated. A fellow camper or another driver on the road can jump your car and allow you to be back on the road in minutes.
• A spare tire. If you have good strong tires on your wheels, you may be tempted to remove the spare tire to make more room in your trunk for your belongings. You can take it out just in order to check if it’s inflated and fits your car’s wheels. Put it back then since a punctured tire may soon terminate your journey. 
• Wrenches and screwdrivers. Even if you’re not a mechanic, you may still need such items to replace a deflated tire or to tighten a loose nut or bolt on your bumper or roof trunk. 
• An air compressor. The pressure in tires can change under cold or heat, a heavy load, or due to small scratches and cuts on the tire rubber. Take a compact air compressor to check your tire’s condition and inflate them if needed. 
• Car fluids. Your route might define the volume of the car fluids you should have along but not the absence of them. If you plan to go offroad or your trip includes long distances without the gas stations, take a full canister of gas, at least ½-gallon of oil, a bottle of brake fluid, and at least one gallon of pure water (preferably distilled). Reduce the volume by three if you’re going to drive along the roads where gas stations are frequent. 

9. Navigation 

The road trips can often be prolonged due to various circumstances: roadworks, lifted bridges, unplanned stops for different reasons. To go to a hospital, a store, or a hotel, you may have to take a side path. Or maybe you’d want to check out an unknown tourist attraction. That’s why, even if your journey is planned on a well-known route, get some navigation with you. Ensure that your car’s head unit or a separate navigation device has all charts for the territory you’re going to cross and that it can be used offline. Just in case, download the navigation app to your smartphone or tablet.

The bad thing about electronic devices is that they need the power to work, and many of them also require Internet access. So print out from the internet or buy a road map for your route. It doesn’t take up much space but may be very useful in an emergency.

10. Chargers

A car charger is a must-have in any type of vehicle, even in an RV. Many times, you need to charge your smartphone on the go and have access to it. So, keeping a gadget charger in your vehicle is highly recommended. Ensure all your within-the-car electronic devices have car chargers as well. A universal car charger adapter might save you the place and clutter with the wires inside the car. However, check if it fits your devices by voltage and amperage. If the charger cannot be used to charge all devices, you will need to purchase an additional cable and/or adapter to make the connection.

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Driving is a privilege, not a right. This means that if you are on the road, you need to be safe and follow all of the rules. The following 10 tips can help keep you safe while driving:

Adjust your side mirrors correctly

The side mirrors are easily overlooked when checking for blind spots. Take a second to adjust your left and right mirror before changing lanes or pulling out of the driveway.

This simple check can help you avoid accidents by letting you see what’s coming up behind you as soon as possible, instead of having to turn around in order to determine if it is safe to move over into another lane.

If you are unsure of how to adjust your side mirrors, check the owner’s manual for detailed directions.

Keep a safe following distance

Defensive driving is the key to safe driving. That means not tailgating or speeding, but also keeping a comfortable distance between you and the car in front of you. If someone is following too closely behind your vehicle, slow down slightly so they have more space to stop safely if needed.

This will help prevent rear-end collisions when sudden stops happen due to braking ahead due to weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice fog, etc…

Keeping at least two seconds’ worth of distance can be extremely helpful in situations like this where even stopping quickly may not be enough time for drivers directly behind you on slippery surfaces!

Stay alert all the time

Driving while distracted can be deadly. This includes focusing on your GPS, cell phone, or even the radio instead of watching the road ahead for changes in traffic and weather conditions that require slowing down or changing lanes.

If you are not 100% sure it is safe to change lanes because someone may have cut off another driver unexpectedly without signaling properly, stay put until it becomes clear which lane will give you more space around other vehicles on the road.

Wear a seat belt at all times

Seat belts save lives, as long as you wear them properly. No matter how short of a distance you are traveling, click your seatbelt on before pulling out onto any busy street! If pulled over by an officer for this minor infraction it can be extremely helpful because getting stopped while not wearing one is much more serious than if law enforcement sees proof you were doing everything possible to protect yourself and others from harm during accidents.

Turn on your headlights whenever visibility is low

Your headlights are not just there to help you see in the dark. The bright lights also make it easier for other drivers on the road to spot your vehicle and avoid accidents if they can see you coming from a long distance away!

Even when driving during twilight hours or early morning, be sure to turn on your headlights if visibility is low enough that streetlights are needed ahead of time – even before turning onto busy intersections where traffic may be congested already. This way everyone around will have an idea which direction you are headed well before getting too close behind another driver’s bumper so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises when trying to pass them safely!

Beware of trucks and bulky vehicles

Trucks are larger than the average car, so they have a longer stopping distance when breaking. To avoid rear-ending them in traffic or getting hit at intersections when stopped alongside one another, give plenty of space between you and any truck on the road!

When coming up behind trucks with their brake lights illuminated, slow down before reaching an intersection to allow enough time for others around to notice if it is turning ahead will block your path even further back where there may not be as much room since these vehicles take more time to maneuver out of the way.

Beware also that large delivery trucks moving slowly along major roads during rush hour can make it tough to get past without having someone else cut off of traffic by passing using the turning lane. If you see a truck with its hazards on up ahead, be sure to follow the best safety practices and put your own indicator lights on so others know there may be an issue as traffic begins moving again after stopping beside these large vehicles!

Check your tire pressure regularly

Your tires are the only thing between you and the road, so be sure they are in good condition before heading out.

Check both tire pressure levels frequently with the best portable air compressor for off-road to help avoid flat tires or blowouts on busy streets! If your car was made after 2014 it should come standard with TPMS technology which helps monitor tread wear carefully – but always check anyway for extra peace of mind if there is any question about how well these systems work.

Service your car regularly

Regularly servicing your car by having it checked out regularly at a trusted mechanic is an important part of staying safe.

This way you will know if any oil leaks need to be replaced right away, or if there are other issues that may not become dangerous until another day but should still be seen sooner rather than later because waiting could cause even more problems down the road! If something does go wrong on the open road and you have no idea what’s going on with your brakes anymore – here’s a guide for Pumping Brakes that can help get these moving again so everyone knows where they stand when trying to keep their cool in stressful situations.

Never drive while drunk

Drinking and driving is never a good idea, but it’s even worse when the roads are icy. If you’re going to drink – make sure to have a designated driver that will get everyone home safe!

If this isn’t an option for whatever reason, call someone else who can pick you up instead of taking your chances with drinking too much before hitting the road again. This way those around you won’t be caught off guard by suddenly swerving or veering into oncoming traffic without warning as was seen in many unfortunate cases every year from people not thinking about their own safety while out having fun with friends after dark during winter months.

Don’t use your cell phone while driving

Using your phone while driving is one of the most common causes of accidents every year, so don’t think just because you have Bluetooth or some other device that it’s perfectly fine to answer calls and messages on busy streets!

The post 10 Safe Driving Tips That Could Save Your Life appeared first on Carpoolvote.

Road trips with little ones can be scary. There are so many things to think about before you even get in the car. How long is the drive? Will they have enough snacks? What if they need a diaper change or some Tylenol on the way? These are just some of the questions that come up when planning a road trip with a baby or toddler. Follow these seven tips before hitting the open highway!

Keep all family members safe during your road trip

The safest place for a child is always in the backseat, so buckle them up with an appropriate car seat or booster. This will ensure that they are not thrown around if there is an accident, and it keeps their airway free of obstructions should you need to brake suddenly.

Never leave kids alone in cars- even for just five minutes! It’s hot out, especially when summer rolls around, and someone could break into your vehicle while you’re gone (or worse). Keep pets close by too; animals can easily escape from unattended cars which poses another risk factor for heatstroke among other things.

Have one adult in the back seat with the baby or get in the backseat for playtime. Keep the baby or toddler entertained. Bring along some toys that are easy to clean up if they spill/drop during playtime! Pack plenty of food & snacks. Make sure they contain minimal messes to avoid a huge clean-up later!

Don’t have any distractions while driving

While this should go without saying, many parents claim that they’ve been distracted by their kids before- sometimes even causing accidents! It may seem like common sense not to talk on the phone or text while driving with children in tow, however, it’s still important to remember. If you must use your cell phone for something during a drive, park somewhere safe first so everyone can get out of the vehicle. This will also give them a chance to stretch after being cooped up for too long.

If your baby or toddler starts crying during a long drive, do not turn up their volume- it’s actually better for babies’ ears when music/audio isn’t played too loudly. If possible, try singing along with them instead! It may help keep everyone entertained while keeping all family members safe during your road trip. The journey will go by much faster than expected!

Make stops frequently & find places of interest to visit along the way

If you’re only traveling a few hours, it might not be necessary. However, if you have a long road trip ahead of you or plan on taking breaks during your drive, try and find places that will interest both adults and children alike. Visit some historical sites (there are plenty in America), go for some mini-golfing, fishing, or hiking/camping at different locations as well! These activities can keep everyone occupied while also teaching kids about American history and culture ;). It’s also great bonding time with the family members we don’t usually get an opportunity to see all too often. Pack food & snacks…but stay away from messy ingredients

Keep Supplies Nearby

Pack foods that contain minimal messes such as crackers, fruit, sandwiches, and yogurt. There’s nothing worse than soggy crackers or a banana that’s half-peeled when you’re starving! And don’t forget the rest of your family members either; pack foods which everyone can enjoy to keep guilt away from hungry belly complaints. Don’t get too hung up on packing specific items for each person though; after all, it is just one trip.

Download some apps before setting off if you plan on using GPS

Many people rely heavily upon their phones’ built-in GPS functions while traveling abroad these days, so why not load an app onto yours before heading out? You’ll save battery life by only having one running at once (as opposed to multiple), there are plenty available with free trials and you’ll know exactly where to go!

Make sure everyone is buckled up safely- including yourself!

We can’t stress enough how important it is that every member of the family wears their seat belt when in a moving vehicle. This includes babies, toddlers, and adults alike; not only are all passengers safer while riding with seat belts on but so are people outside of your car if you happen to be involved in an accident. Always keep them fastened unless at a complete stop or parked somewhere safe.

Don’t forget your chargers & entertainment!

With all these new rules and safety precautions in place, don’t forget your chargers for any devices you’ve packed (especially if they’re tablets like an iPad)! Keep Supplies Nearby (snacks, toys, and entertainment). Bring some more snacks/foods along too but be sure to keep them away from messy ingredients.

Keep everyone entertained with apps or downloaded games on long car rides. Listen to music during the journey, sing songs, and tell jokes, watch movies on the road; not only will this make the time fly by faster than ever before but it’ll ensure that no one gets bored either!

Don’t get caught up worrying about every single thing that could go wrong during a road trip because there’s always something unexpected that might happen. All of our best-laid plans can fall apart around us at certain points however we should try as hard as possible to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. Try your best to prevent them through proper preparation though so everyone stays healthy and happy throughout their travels!

The post 7 Things You Must Know Before a Road Trip with Baby or Toddler appeared first on Carpoolvote.

Community Enterprise Project

This project is a new and exciting initiative, delivered in partnership with social enterprise Community. The 2 year programme offers support to local people to set up and run their own very small enterprise offering help and support at home for older people and support for disabled people who want to live life their way or similar. This may include community groups.

Community Enterprise

All community enterprises aim to make a difference to the lives of local people. They:

• have 8 or fewer full-time staff or volunteers
• are independent of any larger organisation
• are set up in many different and creative ways such as sole trader, partnership, small business, social enterprise, charity or voluntary organisation.

The post Working together to help people appeared first on Carpoolvote.

We are looking for the right people to help transport disadvantaged clients living in around Glen Eira to their appointments.

• Volunteer as little or as often as suits
• If you hold a full Australian licence & have more than seven years driving experience then we would love to hear from you
• Options include driving one of our cars or buses or, pending suitability, using your own vehicle if preferred
• Owners are reimbursed for kilometres to and from the clients’ homes
• All essential training and equipment costs are covered
• On-going training and support is provided in the areas of Driver Awareness and Covid-Safety Practices

The post Volunteer Drivers – Transport Support appeared first on Carpoolvote.

Back when they started volunteering, they were both driving almost every day. Their day began at 9 a.m. or earlier, depending on the destinations they had to go to that day, and went until at least 5:30 p.m. or later. As a volunteer driver, you get to set your schedule – Henk and Hellen decided to driver everyday.

“A lot of our drives are for medical appointments, grocery shopping, taking people to the Ontario Addition Treatment Centre, mental health appointments, or taking people to and from group homes to programs that are run down in Aurora,” explains Helen.

Having the ability to help others is what motivates both Henk and Helen to drive when they can, and for both of them, it helps them appreciate their life and the people around them.

“I very much appreciate driving people to dialysis,” says Henk. “I realize that it’s so much better to be a driver than to be a rider who has to be in the health centre for four hours on the machine three times a week. It makes me appreciate that I can get around and be able to help.”

For Helen, she likes that she can take a load off of family members of clients who need rides. “I was driving an 88-year-old for a while who was just a lady that needed a ride and a friendly ear,” says Helen. “Being able to do that, it gives the family of people a sense that their loved ones are being taken care of if they aren’t able to.”

Henk and Helen like to encourage others to volunteer, because they say that the appreciation they get from riders is something they think is important to share.

“It doesn’t matter which people you are driving, they are very appreciative of the time we donate to get them where they have to go,” says Helen. “One of my favorite clients is a lovely couple. They are always, always sitting outside waiting for me to pull up. I never have to wait for them. They are just so appreciative of the rides. They both unfortunately have health problems and it’s been difficult for them.”

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