Planning a fall trip in your SUV
Pictured: 2020 Honda CR-V
Autumn is the perfect season to get out and adventure. With shades of amber and crimson adorning beautiful fall foliage, it is time to start planning a memorable getaway for you and your family in your SUV.
Fall is one of the most attractive and comforting seasons of the year, as the heat and humidity of the summer slowly transition to milder, drier temperatures. It’s when the outdoors is the most colorful. In this blog, we will guide you through planning the ultimate fall getaway in your SUV, from choosing the right destination to preparing your vehicle.
By the way, if you need a new, certified or pre-owned SUV to build your trip around, please do not hesitate to visit and shop HendrickCars.com to take advantage of No Payments Until 2024 SUV sales event. Currently, there are more than 14,000 SUVs available to purchase within Hendrick Automotive Group’s family of dealerships.
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Location, Location, Location
For many, this is the fun part. Dreaming of all the possibilities that are out there. One of the favorite destinations are the many National Parks that are out there throughout the United States.
Now, no fall travel discussion would be complete without first mentioning Yellowstone National Park. Not only is it the name of a popular television series, it is one of the most famous destinations in the world. Geologically active with geysers and hot springs, the natural beauty of the surroundings often described as breathtaking. With 2.2 million acres available, Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon are on a bucket list of places you must tour at least once in your life.
Pictured: 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer
If colorful fall foliage and outdoor activities are more your style, Acadia National Park in Maine and the Great Smoky Mountains offer incredible views of the changing colors, elevated mountain-scapes and scenic roads. If you are more the enthusiast driving type, you can explore the winding Blue Ridge Parkway though North Carolina and Virginia and witness an abundance of amazing fall foliage (we advise you to explore the latest fall foliage color maps to time for the best viewing) or travel the Pacific Coast Highway and see some of California’s most awe-inspiring views.
There are numerous vineyards and wineries throughout the country, the most famous area in Northern California and the Napa Valley. Don’t forget the great fall festivals, small-town events and active farms that have a variety of fall and pre-Halloween activities for the entire family to enjoy. Visiting a local pumpkin farm is a personal family favorite.
It’s also college and NFL Football season, where you can gather with your friends and family and root on the home team to victory. Or … the visitors, if you so choose. Road trip season it is. Go Team!
Prepare To Travel
Before hitting the road, make sure your SUV is road ready. Below are a few handy tips to consider before you begin.
Pictured: 2021 Cadillac XT4
INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE: If not recently completed, schedule a comprehensive inspection of your SUV. We encourage you to have a service technician thoroughly inspect critical areas such as brakes, tires, oil pressure and fluid levels. Schedule service at a one of our Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships throughout the county. You can also ask a service advisor if you have any questions prior to your trip.
MAKE REPAIRS: If recommended, it is important to repair any vital service need prior to leaving on your trip. You do not want to end up stranded -- especially in a remote area -- in need of a new water or fuel pump that is only available many mile away. Diagnosing and preventing service issues before they happen can save you a lot of time and undue heartache.
SAFETY GEAR: Pack essential safety gear for your trip. A first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables and a usable spare tire are key items you may need. Do not wait until your trip is over to grab these items. You may also want to consider blankets, warm clothing and non-perishable food in your preparation kit, in case you are stranded.
TIRES: The fall is also a great time to consider switching to all-season or winter tires if you have not. Especially if your trip takes you towards higher elevations, where temperatures can be lower and winter precipitation is possible.
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Trip Planning
One of the more underrated parts of trip planning is route selection. While plugging in the destination on your GPS device the moment you are ready to leave, that strategy may be a challenge. Especially if the trip takes you to locations that are unfamiliar.
Take a moment in the time before your trip to plug in the coordinates of your destination. Look at the route options, see if there is construction and understand what stops and obstacles are along the way. If you have an EV, make sure you know the exact distances and locations of the charging station infrastructure where you travel. Visit our friendly neighborhood, charging guide, here.
It can also be fun, as you may find stops here and there your family will enjoy. Who doesn’t enjoy the seeing the world’s largest prairie dog?
In all seriousness, it is important to take time out, stretch and grab some food or drink along the way. It helps keep the driver more alert and comfortable, and you don’t want to miss out on something you may never get the opportunity to experience again.
Pictured: 2024 Kia Seltos
Be Mindful
Many fall trips involve destinations that also include wildlife, especially as many are preparing for winter. Make sure you are driving cautiously, as animals tend to wander onto the road and cause major hazards if you are not careful. Keep eyes peeled for deer, moose and other larger animals as hitting one of them could be very dangerous.
One way to mitigate the risk is to purchase a deer whistle for your car, which emits a hog-pitched sound only deer can hear – repelling them from your vehicle while driving.
Planning a fall trip with your family is a tremendous way to celebrate the season’s beauty, creating lasting memories that remain a lifetime. By selecting the perfect destination, preparing your vehicle and planning your trip, you can fully enjoy what the great fall outdoors has in store. So, pack your bags, start your SUV, and let the adventure begin.
Happy Motoring!
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