By Madeline Klein on January 11, 2019 in Safe Driving
Vacation is all you ever wanted, just like the Go-Go’s. And road tripping to a new place is a great way to really enjoy the complete vacation experience. You’re sleeping in during the morning. You’re lazily drinking coffee in the afternoon. And during all the time in between, you’re probably exploring a new city or sitting with your toes in the sand, sipping a fruity drink and appreciating your view.
All the while, though, your precious car is sitting alone, probably somewhere nearby. Maybe you don’t drive it for days and days at a time. That sounds like a relaxing vacation but means your car needs an extra safe place to sit when you’re not using it. And with holidays being a prime time for cars to be stolen, you don’t want to ignore car safety.
When you aren’t as familiar with an area, it may be hard to make sure your ride is safe and sound while you’re exploring. You’ll want to take some extra precautions to make sure your car is safe while you’re out and about in a new place.
1. Always lock your car
We know, we know. You’ve probably heard this one before. But really, it’s important so we couldn’t give tips about car safety and not include this one. Plus, we’ve got to admit that we’re guilty of forgetting to lock up every once in a while too.
When you’re out of town, it’s beneficial to double check and make sure your car is locked. You’ll be away from your vehicle for longer than usual, and we’d hate for anything to happen to your car while you’re not around. Either way, hit that lock button on your keychain an extra time or two while you’re out of town.
2. Embrace anti-theft devices
These days, most newer cars come equipped with some type of anti-theft device. If you have to arm it, don’t forget to double check and make sure you set it before you walk away to enjoy your well-deserved vacation time.
If your car doesn’t have a device already, you may want to think about getting one. There are some affordable anti-theft device options to choose from that will not only keep your vehicle safe, but they’ll also give you some extra peace of mind while you’re taking some time off. Plus, as if that wasn’t enough, many insurance companies offer anti-theft discounts. Spoiler: we’re one of them! Basically, there’s no downside to an anti-theft device.
3. Pay attention to parking spots
If you’re parking your car for more than a few hours, you’ll want to give your parking spot some thought. Check the area you’re parking in and make sure it seems safe to leave your car there for a while. If you find a deserted parking lot with no other cars, no lights, and no one around, that may not be the best spot to leave your car for days on end.
A sign of a decent parking spot is if there are street lights nearby. It may seem like a small detail, but, parking in a well-lit area may help deter anyone thinking about taking your car for a joy ride. Better safe than sorry!
4. Clean out your car
It may be a hassle, but emptying your car at the start of a vacation will mean there’s nothing in there for somebody to steal. That bit of work upfront can help keep your things safe and help make your car less appealing of an option for potential thieves.
And whether you're on vacation or not, a clean car can help you clear your mind and help you feel more organized for your daily life. And we don’t know about you, but we could always use a little more organization.
Less worrying, more enjoying
No one wants to spend their vacation thinking about everyday things like car safety. With some of these tips, you can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time worrying about your ride. So pop on those shades, kick back your feet, and get in that vacation state of mind.