Monday, May 13, 2013

Summer road trip tip - Load smart!

Once you've decided what to bring, don't pack items so high that they completely block your outward vision. Don't bury items that you may need to access at a rest stop. If possible, even out your load from side to side, and if you're hauling something in a pickup or SUV, try to keep the heaviest items as close to the center of the vehicle as possible for optimal handling. And make sure you don't exceed your vehicle's payload limit.

Another travel tip rarely considered by vacationers is having your headlights adjusted slightly downward when carrying a heavy load in the cargo area. Unless you have a self-leveling suspension, this could cause the rear of the vehicle to sag, directing your headlights high enough to blind oncoming traffic and irritate drivers you may be following at night. This is especially important in the case of trucks and SUVs, whose headlights are mounted quite high on the vehicle in the first place. Rule of thumb: if the reflective highway signs are particularly bright, or if you can see the hair color of drivers in the car in front of you, your headlights need to come down. Check your owner's manual to find out how to do this.

Courtesy of: Edmunds.com

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