As a road trip enthusiast, you will probably know the rigors your vehicle goes through during long journeys. Hundreds of miles on the road test its performance, safety, and fuel economy.
Research shows that nearly 20% of road trippers in the US plan to travel more than 500 miles. Also, 7% wish to cover more than 1,000 miles from home. That makes millions of people travel countless miles. It also translates into high expectations from the cars they drive.
While you want your vehicle to give its best during long-distance trips, you should be ready to do your bit. Small investments in car upgrades can take you a long way with safe, economical, and comfortable road trips. With these simple modifications, you can turn your old car into a high-performance vehicle. The best part is that you can do it without spending a fortune.
We have a checklist of low-cost upgrades to make your car road-ready for long-distance trips.
Table of Contents
Seating Upgrades for Better Ergonomics
Research shows that occupational driving is linked with musculoskeletal disorders due to long hours of sitting and poor posture. The risk may also apply to frequent long-distance road trippers who often spend days on highways. You may experience lower back pain, stiffness in your neck, and weakness in your legs.
Seating upgrades can make all the difference with better ergonomics and comfort. You can invest in seat covers and cushions that provide additional support. These cost-effective additions can make your journey pleasant and reduce fatigue. Check seat covers with memory foam or gel inserts for a plush and comfortable feel during long rides.
Storage Modifications for Extra Luggage Space
Whether you travel a few hundred miles away from home or drive cross-country, boot space may always fall short. You may feel the constraints even if you own a large SUV, specifically when traveling with family. Adding extra storage is easy as you just need to install a roof rack to expand your vehicle’s storage capacity.
RoofPax recommends waterproof roof carriers and car roof bags as they are ideal for all seasons. A durable product costs only a few hundred dollars and lasts forever. You get all the extra space to carry the stuff you need. Besides a cargo carrier, you can add cargo nets, inexpensive organizers, and storage bins to organize your luggage and ensure easy accessibility.
Lighting Revamp for Safety
Good visibility can be a savior on the road during night drives and inclement weather. Surveys establish that vehicles with good visibility ratings have 19% fewer nighttime single-vehicle mishaps compared to vehicles with poor-rated headlights. A lighting revamp is a cost-effective modification you should definitely invest in.
Consider upgrading your car’s lighting with brighter bulbs. Look for tested products with excellent safety ratings, even if you have to spend a little more on them. Your mechanic can suggest the best products for better lighting. You may also get extra visibility by installing reflective tape on key areas of your vehicle.
Tire Replacement for Efficiency
Did you know that 20%- 30% of a car’s fuel consumption and 24% of CO2 emissions are tire-related? You will be surprised by the efficiency advantage you can get by swapping the old tires of your car before a long-distance road trip. Upgrading them can also significantly enhance your driving experience, offering better performance, safety, and comfort.
You can opt for all-season tires if you plan to travel during the rainy season or snowy winter. Alternatively, tires with upgraded tread are ideal for rough-terrain drives. Low-rolling-resistance tires offer the advantage of fuel efficiency. Remember to check the tire pressure before hitting the road because it is paramount to safety and efficiency.
Tech-Friendly Accessories for Entertainment
Another budget-friendly car upgrade for long-distance road travel is an investment in tech-friendly accessories. You don’t need to shell out big money for high-tech fixtures because there are plenty of affordable options in the market. Adding a few devices is good enough to get more from your existing music system.
For example, you can invest in an FM transmitter to stream music from your phone if your vehicle lacks Bluetooth connectivity. Install a phone mount to ensure your device is easily accessible for navigation. Remember to buy USB car chargers to keep your phone or tablet powered throughout the journey.
The Bottom Line
A few simple and budget-friendly car upgrades are good enough to prepare it for long-distance road trips. You can consider these modifications to enhance comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency during extended rides. While they are cost-effective, you should invest in high-quality products that promise performance and durability.
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