Press Releases

Five things to know before you go: tip sheet for preparing the car and family for a road trip

01/07/2004

Whether you're loading the family minivan and heading down the highway for a beach vacation or packing up the RV for a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, America's roads offer travelers opportunities to create treasured memories. To help families prepare for the open road, Shell has developed "Five Things to Know Before You Go," simple travel tips designed to help families prepare for a road trip and have a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

• Focus on the Family for Fun:   When selecting a travel destination, keep the entire family in mind and choose a place that offers a variety of activities – golfing for mom and dad, shopping for the teens, fun attractions for younger kids, as well as activities that everybody can participate in.  That way, everyone in the family can enjoy the vacation.  Try not to schedule too many activities, though.  Remember, the goal is to spend time together and to have fun.  If you’re too busy running from one place to another, the trip will be less enjoyable.

• Scout Out a Route:  When mapping out your road trip, get your children involved in the process.  They can help research interesting stops and activities along the way to your final destination.  Getting kids involved in the planning process will help to keep them interested and looking forward to “their” parts of the trip, even if they choose off-the-wall destinations, like the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, Kan., or the Eiffel Tower Replica in Paris, Tenn.  There are a variety of travel planning resources available online and at your local library. Web sites such as www.roadsideamerica.com and www.seeamerica.org, as well as local and state travel and tourism agencies, may be helpful for finding a number of out-of-the-ordinary places along your planned route.

• Care for Your Car: No matter where you’re going, it’s important to keep your car well maintained for the trip. Before you head out of town, and along the way, be sure to fill up with a high-quality gasoline. For example, Shell V-Power has more than five times the minimum amount of cleaning agents required by government standards.  It actively cleans your car’s engine as you drive, specifically intake valves and fuel injectors.  In addition, be sure to keep your car in shape by performing routine maintenance. Help prevent breakdowns and ensure a safer trip by taking your vehicle to an automotive service center – such as a Jiffy Lube® location – for general maintenance including an oil and filter change and checks of belts, hoses, windshield wipers and fluids.   

• Keep the Kids Content:  Every mom and dad knows that it’s hard for kids of any age to sit still for long periods, and trying to keep them entertained can be a challenge for even the most seasoned parent.  To help pass the time, create a car “entertainment kit” for the kids. In addition to books, magazines, games, favorite toys and CDs, get creative and include some things that they might not be expecting.  For example, pack a roll of aluminum foil and encourage the kids to form the foil into animal shapes, jewelry, crowns and masks. A package of paper lunch bags and colored pencils also will give kids the chance to be creative by making their own paper bag puppets, with a minimum amount of mess. Or, if you are driving at night, have the kids play a game by the light of a glow-stick. Getting creative will keep them occupied and help create great memories.

• Pack All the Extras:  In the event of a vehicle emergency, you’ll want to have an emergency kit on hand in case you’re stranded even temporarily. Start by packing your cell phone, so you can call for additional help. Other things to pack in your kit include a fire extinguisher; flares or reflective devices; jack and lug wrench; properly inflated spare tire; non-perishable easy-open food items; flashlight with extra batteries; bottled drinking water; jumper cables; blankets; an empty approved gas container; and an umbrella, poncho or raincoat. And if you’re traveling in cold weather, be sure to stock your vehicle with the proper seasonal items. These things will help make your wait for help more bearable, or get you back on the road and to your destination quickly and safely.

For nearly a century, travelers have trusted Shell to provide high-quality fuels.  And, with more than 13,000 stations nationwide, you can trust Shell more than ever to help get you where you’re going. Shell offers an online route planner to help motorists map out their road trip in advance.  The resource tool, located at www.localshell.com, also features a Shell Station Finder that allows travelers to locate Shell stations along the way.

QUESTIONS:

Fleishman-Hillard

Brooke Barrett:  214/665-1304

Shell Oil Products US

Shell Media Line:  713/241-4544

Anne Peebles: 281/874-8290

or 713/241-1584