As the temperatures rise and people begin to take their holidays, there is one adventure that is on everybody's mind - a road trip! So much so that the most recent blog post included ideas for planning just that! However, adventure seekers know that not all road-trips need to include, well, a road.

How to Plan for an Off-Road Road Trip

If this sounds like you and you are looking for ways to prepare for a road-free road trip, keep reading. NC Synthetic has a post with handy information to help ensure your off-road adventure is a successful one.

Learn Your Gears

If you will be tackling steep climbs and rocky paths, your secondary (or lower) gear box is going to see a lot of use. If you mostly use your vehicle for city driving, then you may be a little rusty on how to get the best performance out of your lower gears. Take some time to look through your owner's manual and refresh your knowledge. If you don't have your original manual, many manufacturers provide an online copy. It only takes a couple of minutes, and can be the difference between choosing the wrong gear, and getting the torque you need while navigating. If you can, take your vehicle out to some rough terrain locally to practice moving through your gears.

Plan Ahead

The idea of jumping into your off-roader in a spur of the moment decision can sound like a great adventure until you're stuck between rocks or you break down and don't have the right supplies to get yourself out. Before you head out, do a bit of research on the type of area you will be going, including any obstacles you can expect on tracks or paths and if there are expected track closures due to weather. Once you have a good idea about what you will be coming up against you can better plan yourself and your vehicle. For example, if you expect to be driving over sharp rocks, you may consider raising your suspension. Or if the weather will be wet it might be a good idea to pack an extra tow cable in case you get stuck. To make sure you have all of the fluids you will need in case you get stuck, speak with NC Synthetic at (919) 624-2934 and ask about the benefits of performing a synthetic oil change before your next adventure.

Fluids

One of the most important fluids in your 4 x 4 is the transmission fluid. Responsible for ensuring smooth gear changes, if your levels are too low, or your transmission fluid has aged, consider replacing it before you leave. The same message applies to all of your other fluid levels, including the following:

• Brake Fluid
• Engine Oil
• Power Steering Fluid
• Coolant
• Windshield Cleaner

If you see any of these levels getting low or dirty, either top them up or straight out replace them. And of course, pack the remainder of the bottle in your vehicle just in case.

Prepare for an Emergency

If your adventure is going to take you far from civilization, it's important that you prepare for any mishaps. Start with the following:

• Provide your friends and family a copy of your route and when you expect to arrive at each point in your destination.
• If possible, look at taking a satellite phone if you will be away from cell reception.
• If you will be near cell reception, bring a spare cell battery.
• Battery powered radios to communicate on emergency service and truck radio channels
• Sufficient lighting if you get stuck at night and need to make repairs/alert other motorists to your presence

Keep a Light Load

The more you have in your 4 x 4, the more the engine needs to work to get you around. While you shouldn't leave anything important behind, be sure that you will need what you are taking. As you pack your vehicle, think twice before you find a space. Additionally, look for items which can perform multiple tasks, to prevent unnecessary weight.

Get the Most out of Your 4 X 4 With a Synthetic Oil Change Before Your Adventure

How much you enjoy your off-road road trip depends on how you drive and the condition of your vehicle. Before you leave, give your entire a vehicle a once-over and tend to anything that could spell drama on your travels. To get the most out of your engine, speak with NC Synthetic at (919) 624-2934 about how a synthetic oil change before your adventure can help you get the best performance out of your 4 x 4.