Weather-Related Considerations For a Spring Road Trip

Spring Rain

The most common springtime driving hazard is rain showers that mix with accumulated winter oil residue, creating treacherously slick conditions. Reduce your speed by at least 5-10 mph in wet conditions and maintain a 4-second following distance from the vehicle ahead.

Hydroplaning

When your vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface due to water accumulation, hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 mph. If you feel your car hydroplaning, avoid braking suddenly – instead, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go.

Morning Frost

Early spring mornings can still bring freezing temperatures, causing unexpected icy patches on bridges and shaded areas. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes for complete defrosting of your windshield and mirrors before departure.

Windshield and Visibility Systems

Winter’s harsh conditions often deteriorate wiper blades beyond their useful life. Look for signs of cracking, streaking, or skipping across the windshield. Spring pollen and rain make properly functioning wipers crucial.

Test your washers to ensure adequate coverage, and fill the reservoir with a spring-appropriate solution that includes bug-removing properties.

Brake System Assessment

Winter salt and moisture can accelerate brake wear and corrosion. Listen for grinding, squealing, or unusual vibrations when braking. Check brake fluid levels and color – dark fluid indicates replacement time. Have a professional inspect brake lines for rust or damage, particularly if you’ve driven frequently on salted roads.

Road Trip Planning Essentials For Spring

Route Analysis and Preparation

Research your route extensively using multiple sources, including state DOT websites and weather forecasts. Spring often brings road construction projects that can add significant delay time.

Additionally, lingering snow drifts can create treacherous surprises, particularly in mountainous regions and northern states where sudden storms can dump several inches of wet, heavy snow overnight. Even when the roads seem clear, strong winds can blow loose snow across highways, creating dangerous whiteout conditions and deep drifts that can block entire lanes without warning.

Create a detailed map marking potential alternate routes, particularly around flood-prone areas and known construction zones. Track historical weather patterns along your route to anticipate potential challenges.

Rest Stop Strategy

Plan strategic breaks every 2-3 hours, identifying family-friendly facilities in advance. Consider that spring weather might make some rest areas muddy or unusable.

Mark multiple options for each planned stop, including restaurants, parks, and traditional rest areas. Remember that children often need more frequent stops during spring allergy season.

Emergency Response Planning

Create a comprehensive emergency kit tailored to spring conditions, including basic tools, first aid supplies, and rain gear. Document emergency contact numbers for all areas along your route, including local police departments and hospitals. Keep paper maps as backup, and consider a secondary GPS device or app for backup navigation.

Wildlife Movement Patterns

Spring migration brings increased wildlife activity, particularly during dawn and dusk hours. Be especially cautious in areas marked with wildlife crossing signs, reducing speed by at least 10 mph in these zones.

Use high beams when possible on dark roads, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic. Watch for groups of animals, as deer and other wildlife rarely travel alone during spring breeding season.

Agricultural Equipment Interactions

Farm machinery moves significantly slower than regular traffic, typically 15-25 mph, and may take up multiple lanes. These vehicles make wide turns and often need to swing left before turning right. Watch for mud and debris near field entrances, which can create hazardous conditions for up to 100 feet. Never pass farm equipment near intersections, bridges, or hills where visibility is limited. Allow for sudden stops, as operators may need to adjust their equipment frequently.

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post Weather the Changes: A Family’s Guide to Spring Driving Safety appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Navigating the world of towing can be a maze for drivers who have never hitched a trailer or caravan to their vehicle before.

Understanding the towing capacity of your vehicle is not just a number game; it’s a crucial aspect that guarantees your safety and the safety of others on the road. It ensures the integrity and longevity of your vehicle, avoiding undue stress and potential damage.

Navigate the roads with confidence and security by equipping yourself with the essential knowledge of your vehicle’s towing capacity.

What is Towing Capacity?

Vehicle towing capacity is the strength limit of your car for pulling extra weight. It’s the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can tow safely. This includes trailers, camper vans, or any other item you might tow behind your vehicle.

It’s really important to know this number because if you try to tow something too heavy, it can be unsafe and may damage your vehicle. You can usually find your car’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.

Factors that Affect Towing Capacity

• Engine Size and Type: The size and type of your vehicle’s engine play a crucial role in determining its towing capacity. Generally, larger and more powerful engines can handle heavier loads, providing the necessary force to pull additional weight without overstressing the vehicle’s mechanics.
• Transmission Type and Gearing: The type of transmission and its gearing also impact a vehicle’s towing capacity. A vehicle with a robust transmission and appropriate gearing can manage heavier towing loads, ensuring that the vehicle can move the added weight efficiently and reliably without undue strain on the transmission.
• Braking Capacity: The ability of a vehicle to safely and effectively brake is paramount when towing. Enhanced braking capacity ensures the vehicle, along with the towed load, can come to a complete and controlled stop, enhancing overall safety and reducing the risk of accidents or damage.
• Chassis and Suspension Design: The design of a vehicle’s chassis and suspension system underpin its towing capabilities. A sturdy chassis and robust suspension system can bear heavier loads, providing the structural integrity required for safe towing and ensuring the vehicle remains stable and controlled on the road.
• Towing Packages and Additional Equipment: Specific towing packages and additional equipment, like upgraded hitches, towing mirrors, and cooling systems, can augment a vehicle’s towing capacity. These additions are designed to enhance the vehicle’s ability to manage extra weight, improving both safety and functionality while towing.

How to Find Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

There are several different ways you can calculate your vehicle’s towing capacity:

Checking the Vehicle’s Manual

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the most reliable source for finding its towing capacity. The manual will provide detailed specifications regarding the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow, ensuring you adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and avoid potential damage or safety risks.

Manufacturer’s Website or Customer Service

If you don’t have access to the owner’s manual, the manufacturer’s website is another reliable source for finding your vehicle’s towing capacity. Most automakers provide detailed specifications for each vehicle model on their website. Additionally, you can contact the manufacturer’s customer service for personalized assistance and information.

Online Towing Capacity Calculators

Several websites offer online towing capacity calculators that require you to input specific details about your vehicle (make, model, year, and other relevant information). These tools then provide an estimate of your vehicle’s towing capacity, though it’s always best to verify this information with the manufacturer to ensure accuracy.

Why not try:

• towingcapacity.co.uk
• escapetrailer.com
• towing-calculator.com

Understand GVWR and GCVWR

Understanding terms like Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) is crucial when determining towing capacity.

• GVWR is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely handle, including its own weight and the weight of any passengers and cargo.
• GCVWR is the total maximum weight of your vehicle and any trailer or additional load combined.

Exceeding these ratings can lead to safety concerns, potential legal issues, and damage to your vehicle, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with these terms and ensure your vehicle and trailer weights remain within these limits.

Calculating the Weight of Your Trailer or Camper Van

When it comes to calculating the weight of the item you’re towing, it’s crucial to obtain accurate measurements. The most reliable method is to use a public weigh station. Many truck stops have scales that you can use for a nominal fee.

Alternatively, you can use a specialized trailer scale for smaller trailers or camper vans to ensure you have an accurate weight reading. Ensure the trailer or camper is loaded as it will be when towed to get the most accurate weight.

Importance of Considering the Weight of Items Inside the Trailer or Camper Van

It’s not only the empty weight of the trailer or camper van that matters. You must also consider the weight of every item inside it. Items inside the trailer contribute to the total towing weight and can significantly impact your vehicle’s ability to safely and efficiently tow the load.

Pack the trailer as it would be for a trip, and include the weight of water, fuel, food, and other supplies in your calculations. Make sure to distribute the weight evenly inside the trailer to maintain balance and prevent issues with towing stability.

Understanding Tongue Weight and Its Impact

Tongue weight is the amount of the trailer’s weight that presses down on the vehicle’s hitch. Proper tongue weight is crucial for safe towing. It should be around 10-15% of the total trailer weight.

Too much tongue weight can lead to sagging at the rear of the towing vehicle, affecting steering and braking. Too little tongue weight can make the trailer sway, leading to difficult handling and potential accidents.

You can measure tongue weight with a specialized scale, and adjustments can be made by redistributing the load within the trailer to achieve the proper balance.

Ensuring Safe and Efficient Towing

Towing a trailer or camper van requires careful attention to ensure both efficiency and safety. Below are essential aspects and steps to consider:

Properly Hitching Your Trailer or Camper Van

Before you start your journey, ensure your trailer or camper van is securely and correctly hitched to your vehicle. Utilize the appropriate type of hitch for your vehicle and trailer, and ensure all connections are tight and secure. The hitching system should adequately support the trailer’s weight. Safety chains or cables should be used as a backup in case the primary hitch fails.

Distributing Weight Evenly

Proper weight distribution is crucial to maintain stability while towing. Load heavier items towards the front of the trailer but ensure they are evenly spread out to prevent tilting or sagging. This balanced distribution minimizes strain on the towing vehicle and helps prevent trailer sway, enhancing overall safety on the road.

The Role of Trailer Brakes and Additional Towing Equipment

For heavier trailers, it’s essential to have a trailer brake system to augment the towing vehicle’s braking capacity. A trailer brake controller inside the towing vehicle can regulate this. Additional towing equipment like sway control devices and weight distribution systems can also contribute to a safer towing experience, helping to stabilize the trailer and ensure it moves in sync with the towing vehicle.

Driving Tips for Towing Safely

When towing a trailer or camper van, adopt cautious and defensive driving habits:

• Allow for more time and distance for stopping, as the additional weight affects braking efficiency.
• Avoid sudden maneuvers and keep your speed at a moderate level to prevent trailer sway or loss of control.
• Make wider turns to accommodate the added length of the trailer.
• Always ensure your vehicle and trailer’s lights and signals are functioning correctly to communicate your movements to other drivers on the road.

Possible Consequences of Exceeding Towing Capacity

Exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity can lead to several serious issues, causing not just damage to your vehicle, but also presenting considerable safety and legal risks.

Potential Damage to the Vehicle

Towing a load heavier than what your vehicle is designed for can cause substantial damage. It can strain the engine, transmission, and brakes beyond their capabilities, leading to overheating, mechanical failure, or long-term wear and tear. This type of damage often results in costly repairs and can significantly shorten the lifespan of your vehicle.

Safety Risks, Including Reduced Control and Increased Stopping Distances

Safety is compromised when towing beyond capacity, leading to reduced vehicle control and handling. The added weight makes it more challenging to steer and maneuver your vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents.

Stopping distances are also extended, making it harder to avoid collisions in emergency situations. Moreover, the risk of trailer sway, where the trailer moves uncontrollably from side to side, is amplified, potentially causing rollovers or other serious accidents.

Legal Implications and Insurance Issues

Exceeding towing capacity is not just a safety hazard but a legal issue as well. Many regions have strict regulations regarding towing limits, and breaching these can result in hefty fines, points on your driving record, or even license suspension.

Moreover, if you’re involved in an accident while towing beyond your vehicle’s capacity, your insurance may not cover the damages, leaving you financially responsible for any repair costs or liability claims arising from the accident.

These are all pretty compelling reasons to adhere to your vehicle’s towing capacity. Doing so ensures the longevity of your vehicle, the safety of you and others on the road, and the avoidance of legal and financial repercussions.

Additional Resources

In order to assist you in understanding towing capacity, we have reviewed the following vehicles in detail, including model variations:

• Audi SQ5 Towing Capacity
• Honda Accord Towing Capacity
• Honda Odyssey Towing Capacity
• Honda Pilot Towing Capacity
• Honda Element Towing Capacity
• Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity
• Honda CR-V Towing Capacity
• Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity
• Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
• Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity
• Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity
• Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity

Successful and safe towing hinges on proper preparation, the right equipment, and adjusted driving techniques, ensuring your road trips with a trailer or camper van are smooth and worry-free. It is essential to adhere to towing capacity limits for safety and longevity of your vehicle.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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If you have ever had to change a tire in an emergency, you most likely have either had to use a scissor jack or a bottle jack to lift your car. 

The scissor jack, also known as a screw jack, is very convenient. It folds up nicely in some little compartment and gets tucked away. But if you ever had to employ one to change a tire, you may have asked yourself, is this scissor jack safe?

I mean, look at it: how is the car not falling over when I use this jack?  However, the answer is yes: scissor jacks are safe when used properly. 

Scissor jacks were designed for use in an emergency situation. Namely, to change a flat tire.  If used solely for this purpose AND using safe car lifting procedures, then scissor jacks are perfectly safe.

Jacking Up a Car Safely…How?

Every car has different lifting points and ways it needs to be jacked up.  So, the first thing you should do is familiarize yourself with your particular car’s recommendations. However, there are three basic rules that you need to follow whenever you are changing a tire.

Block the wheels. 

 Put something in front of the wheels to keep them from rolling.  I have had a car roll when I was changing my tire in my driveway, even though the car was in park. 

 Also, make sure the car is level; bad things happen if you try jacking a car up on an incline.  

If you are on the side of the road when you need to jack up your car, you may not have everything that you need.  I carry a set of wheel blocks in my car just in case I get a flat tire.

If you do not have a set of wheel blocks, find something that you can place around the tires to keep them from rolling.

A rock, board, or broken piece of asphalt, it doesn’t take much to add this little bit of protective measure.  If you look around and can’t find anything, make sure your car is in park, and the emergency brake is on. This isn’t ideal, but it’s better than nothing.

Where do you position wheel blocks?

Wheel blocks are positioned opposite where you are jacking the car up.  For instance, if you are jacking up the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The wheel blocks would be placed on the front driver’s side of the car.

Ideally, you want to position the wheel blocks in the front and back of the tire.  This will keep the tire from rolling in either direction.

Position and lift. 

Positioning the jack varies by car, and the manufacturer will recommend proper lifting points.   Certain areas are built to support the car on jacks.  

You will need to familiarize yourself with the proper lift points for your vehicle.  Improper placement of the scissor jacks could destabilize the car, causing it to roll.

Take a few extra minutes to make sure that your jack is in the right spot. Even after all my years of jacking up cars, I still refer to the owner’s manual to make sure my jack is in the right spot.  

As far as height is concerned, only lift the car as high as you need it. You may need to place something under the jack to fortify it if you are on soft dirt.  Generally speaking, the scissor jack will give you enough lift when placed directly on the ground.

Support and stabilization. 

 More than likely, if you are reading this, you will not be jacking up your car in your driveway to work on it.  However, if you do, you do not want to get under your car with only the jack and wheel block in place.  

You need to place a jack stand under a solid point on your vehicle.  A jack stand is much more sturdy than most jacks you will find in an average person’s house. 

However, the situation will most likely be that you are on the side of the road, in which case you will not have jack stands. Unless you are uber-prepared, then congratulations.

In any case, remember that scissor jacks are meant primarily for an emergency. under no circumstances get under the car or put a significant portion of your body under the car when the only thing holding the car up is the scissor jack.

This is a quick overview of some of the steps that are taken to change a tire. These basic safety steps should be taken every time that your car is going to be jacked up.

How Much Weight Can A Scissor Jack Lift?

As was mentioned, scissor jacks are usually vehicle-specific. This means that the jack that is in the spare tire kit is meant for your car.  

That being said, a scissor jack is usually recommended for small cars or sedans. A scissor jack is usually rated for 1 to 1.5 tons. This means that a 1.5-ton jack has a maximum capacity of 3000 lbs.  

With that being said, please check the rating on your jack just to make sure that your vehicle does indeed meet the criteria of the jack you have.  

Also, remember the people and luggage you may have in your car. All of this is applied to the car’s overall weight and needs to be considered when jacking the car up. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you must lift the car, ensure everyone gets out and potentially unload some of your luggage if you’re carrying a full load.

How High Can You Lift A Scissor Jack?

One of the great things about scissor jacks is their ability to fold up compactly and get fit into a rather small space in your car.  But how far out can you extend a scissor jack?

The answer depends on the particular scissor jack that you have. The range that I have found for a fully extended scissor jack is 13 to 15 inches.

Does this mean that you should fully extend the scissor jack to its maximum length?  In my experience, the answer is no. The higher a scissor jack is extended, the more unstable it becomes.  You are in dangerous territory if your jack is extended even close to its maximum.

So how high should you lift your scissor jack? 

As I mentioned, a scissor jack is supposed to be used only for emergencies.  So, your scissor jack should only be extended far enough to allow you to get your tire off.  The tire should only be an inch or two off the ground.  

Final Thoughts on Scissor Jacks…

Are scissor jacks safe?  Yes, but only when used correctly.  They were designed for emergencies and should only be employed as such.  With proper precautions and a little care, scissor jacks are a great way to get you going on your spare tire.

• You can read more on vehicle maintenance and essential items all drivers should understand how to use in the mechanical advice section of our road trip blog.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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Ensuring your vehicle and your paper work are in order before hitting the road for a family road trip

Have you ever found yourself staring down at your car’s engine, only to realize you don’t know anything about mechanics?

A road trip isn’t the time to learn, either. If you’re preparing for a road trip and your last oil change was when George Bush was still in office, then it’s time to sit up and pay attention! Some basic Mechanics 101 could save you from potential disaster on the road.

Below is a handy pre-road trip checklist for your vehicle that you can follow when preparing for a road trip, plus all the documents you’ll want to have in order before you leave.

Mechanical Checks Before A Road Trip

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1) Tires and Air Pressure

When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? If it’s been more than three months, then you should put it on your “things to do before a road trip” list. Properly inflated tires are not only safe to drive on, they can improve your gas mileage.

The quick and dirty method is to check the sidewall of your tire. You’ll find in small print, the PSI (pounds per square inch). The industry standard is around 35 PSI, but your owner’s manual should have this information for you.

Inflate to whatever that number says. If it’s too high or too low, you’re going to feel a massive difference in the way your car handles on the road.

Don’t forget your spare tire! Make sure it is equally in working order with good grip and pumped up ready to go.

2) Battery

It’s not just your cell phone that dies when the battery is low. Your car does, too. All sorts of things can drain your car’s battery if power is used without your vehicle being recharged.

If the terminals are black or crusty, then it may well be time to buy a new one. Wipe them clean and make sure the connection is tightly sealed. The last thing you want is for your battery to catch fire while you’re driving down the interstate.

If your battery is more then 4 years old you may want to pre-emptively replace it before a long journey.

3) Fluids

There are three fluids that every car needs: coolant, brake fluid, and motor oil (not necessarily in that order). It’s easy to take a quick look at each one and see if you need to add more. Make mechanical checks and prep your car fluids for the long trip ahead.

Coolant: This can be found in the engine compartment, usually near the radiator. There should be an overflow bottle that looks like a small milk jug present. Just look inside that to see how full it is.

Motor oil: Open your hood and look for an oil cap with a dipstick inside it. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. Put it back in and pull it out again after about ten seconds to see how much oil is on the end of that stick. The darker the oil on the stick, the quicker you need an oil change.

Brake fluid: Most cars have a reservoir for brake fluid near the tire on either side of your vehicle. It’s a translucent container that usually says “Brake Fluid” somewhere on it. If you’re not sure, check your vehicle manual for a picture of it.

4) Air Filter

If you’ve been changing your oil, then it’s a good bet that you know when your air filter is due. If you’re someone who has to take your car in to a shop every time the oil needs changing, then the chances are good that they’ll change this for you.

It’s an easy test to run yourself, though. Your owner’s manual should have a picture to show you where the air filter is located.

In most cars, it’s in the engine compartment and looks like a box with a mesh grill over it. Pop that open and do a quick look-see for any dark or oily spots, which would indicate that there’s a problem with your air filter.

5) Emergency Kit

These items will help keep you safe and prepared while out there on thousands of miles of road.

You may have used various items in your emergency kit over the years and not replaced them, so right before your next road trip is a good time to check everything is in order, replenish and replace items.

Some basics that every car emergency kit should include:

• Jumper Cables
• Torch
• Screwdriver
• Warning triangle
• Hi-vis vest
• Safety working gloves
• Duct tape
• Tire repair kit
• Tow rope
• First aid kit

The easiest way to ensure you’re not missing any important items is to purchase a good ready made car emergency kit.

If you don’t feel confident making any of these basic mechanical checks yourself, take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic. Simply chancing it before a family road trip is no excuse.

Paperwork To Check Before A Road Trip

6) Road Assistance and Trip Information

If you’re on a road trip, then you might want to know some basic information like: what’s the speed limit, how many miles until your next stop, and where can you refuel along the way? A GPS or smartphone app is usually beneficial in finding this information out.

Don’t rely on your cellular network, though, as you might get a better signal someplace off the main road. Either way, having this sort of information at your fingertips is a great way to save time and gas money.

7) Driver’s License

If you have a driver’s license, then you know the importance of keeping it current. The last thing anyone wants is to be pulled over on their way to their vacation!

Ensure your license hasn’t expired (you should also watch for speeding tickets while you’re at it). If any changes need to be made, then take care of it as soon as possible, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of going back and forth.

If you are traveling overseas, check if your local drivers license will be valid. You might need to apply for an International Drivers license (International Drivers Permit) depending on which country you will be visiting.

8) Insurance Information

We can’t reiterate enough the importance of having insurance for your road trip. Whilst you no doubt have basic insurance for your vehicle, there are plenty of things that can go wrong beyond just damage to your vehcile.

Think about what will happen in the event of trip delay, serious illness or accident (not while in your car) and potential trip cancellation.

• We have a detailed guide here for exactly what to look for in comprehensive road trip insurance.

9) Vehicle Registration

Something we can easily overlook is our vehicles registration documents. Whilst many systems may be automated these days, one thing you can be sure of, if you don’t have your registration handy it’s bound to be the day you’re asked for it!

Make sure your vehicle registration is up to date (which is also a good reason to get all those pesky issues and mechanical problems regularly checked) and won’t expire while you’re on the road.

10) Your Vehicles Manual

Yes, we know they are clunky and take up so much room in your glove box. Just think of a scenario where your vehicle has broken down, no cellphone reception and not another car in sight. It’s quite possible you will have to roll up your sleeves and do some problem solving; your car’s manual will be your saving grace (all else fails, read the instructions, right?)

Ready To Drive?

Once all this is done, your car should be ready for a family road trip!

Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway with the family or a cross-country adventure with friends, a little bit of precaution can go a long way in making sure that you stay safe and arrive at your destination on time.

Next up, it’s time to get your car packed with all that essential gear you’ll need once you’re on the road.

Pop on over to our essential road trip packing list next for a detailed checklist of over 50 items you may want to consider packing for a comfortable family road trip.

If you’ll be driving in any sort of adverse driving conditions, or need to take care of vehicle maintenance on the go, you may also be interested to read our detailed guides to:

• Road Tripping in the Winter
• Safety Tips for Driving in the Desert
• Top Tips For Keeping Your Car Clean On A Road Trip (even with kids!)
• How To Remove Horrible Odors From Your Car

© Family Road Trip 2026

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Should I Do an Oil Change After a Long Drive? 

If you’ve just completed a long road trip, your car may be in need of an oil change. Depending on how long you were driving and the type of terrain you were on, your car may have endured a lot of wear and tear.

If you’re not sure whether or not to get an oil change after a long drive, here are some things to consider:

How long was your trip? If it was a short trip, your car may not need an oil change yet. However, if you drove for a while on rough terrain, your car’s engine may have taken a beating. In this case, it’s best to go ahead and get an oil change.

Recently, we drove from Florida to Maine. It was a long drive for any car; the driving conditions were mostly highway miles, but there were some mountains and hills along the way.

All of that up and down puts added stress on your engine, especially when you are driving at 70-75 miles per hour.

Not to mention, our vehicle is ten years old. Show your car some love, and go ahead and get that oil change after such a drive.

In general, it’s always a good idea to get an oil change after a long road trip. This will help ensure your car is running smoothly and that any problems that occur while driving are taken care of.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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