It should come as no surprise that one of the essential parts to a successful road trip is the vehicle you’re taking on the trip. If the seats are uncomfortable, driving for a long time might prove painful for bad backs; if there’s not enough storage room, packing and storing your luggage might become problematic. If you’re traveling with kids, having a high-tech car can help to negate whining about charging phones or other devices and provide them with an entertainment system to keep them occupied while you’re on the road. And, as your family grows, you’ll probably cycle through at least a couple different cars to fit your family’s growing needs. When shopping for a new car, visiting car dealerships is always advised — let them help you find the perfect vehicle for your family.
How Can Car Dealerships Assist Me?
For some people, buying a car is fairly straightforward. They’ve done it before, they know what make and model they like, and they know what to ask about or look for when buying a car. However, for those who are a little less certain about what they want or need, car dealerships can provide some much needed — and appreciated — guidance. Over half of prospective car buyers don’t know what make or model they want to buy before getting to the car dealership.
At car dealerships, professionals can help you identify what you need in a vehicle and suggest what vehicles you should be looking at and test driving before making your decision. They can also help you iron out a financial plan for purchasing the car and help you narrow your selections by budget.
What Should I Look For In Family Cars?
Good storage is always an important aspect of kid friendly cars, especially if you have a larger family. You’re sure to be packing a good amount in the trunk — whether it’s groceries, sports equipment, school projects, or luggage for a family trip — and having that room is essential. In general, the more room, the better, when it comes to kids. Scrunching a car seat or stroller into a small car can be a real nightmare and having a car where “kid accessories” can easily pop in and out makes a parent’s life much easier.
For older kids, an entertainment system, and plenty of ports to charge devices in helps keep kids entertained on long and short trips alike. Cup holders, backseat pockets, and plenty of window seat space can help keep things organized and siblings from bickering.
A low step-in car can also help smaller legs get into the car easier and seats that fold down or back to create extra seating when necessary can help “customize” your car when needed as well.
It’s also not a bad idea to invest in car mats and protective plastic coverings to keep sticky juice, mud, dirt, and other substances from dirtying or staining your car.
How Can I Make a Family Road Trip As Easy as Possible?
Pack plenty of snacks, beverages, and easily portable games (like crossword puzzles or word searches) to keep kids full and distracted. You’ll also save money — and time — by not having to pick up snacks while you’re on the road. Make sure that chargers and headphones are easily accessible. Plan out scheduled bathroom breaks or stops to stretch your legs and run around a little bit — too much pent up energy in a full car will inevitably lead to a meltdown.
It’s also not a bad idea to build a little flex time into your trip schedule. It will keep you from being too stressed out when, invariably, there’s a delay of some kind, and can often provide for unexpected, spontaneous moments, like pulling off at a roadside stand or getting out to look at a pretty stream on the way.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, don’t be shy about visiting car dealerships for a great car buying experience. Let friendly and knowledgeable professionals assess your needs and suggest the perfect vehicle for you and your family.
