COMMUTE &
ROAD TRIPS

When it comes to traveling, whether you’re embarking on a daily commute or setting off on an exciting vacation, meticulous planning is essential. The thrill of the open road can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal if potential issues are overlooked.

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What constitutes an “official road trip”? According to research, five hours of driving round-trip is the minimum amount needed to qualify a trip on the road as a “road trip”. It may feel like a big ordeal to drive to your in-laws an hour away, but you definitely can’t call it a road trip.

 

People were also asked about the longest road trips they’ve been on: On average, 25 hours was the upper limit, but 20% of those say they’ve been on the road for 40 hours or more at some point. That’s an entire workweek in the car! Can you imagine?! I can, we have done 28 hours straight before - but definitely don't recommend it! 

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According to the Americans surveyed, an ideal road trip includes 13 total hours of driving, five total days, and four passengers in an SUV/Crossover. The second most ideal car is a 4-door sedan and the third is a minivan (Can you imagine that comfort?! ).  

 

People prefer to make quick pit stops for gas, stretching, food and bathroom every two hours, and the top-rated snacks they pick up are crackers, chips, and jerky. Cheez-Its were the top snack cited by brand name. Also, it should be noted, 41% of respondents said they simply could not endure a road trip without a smartphone or tablet. We always have a playlist handy for those non-internet spots and radio dead space so we can stay awake and rock out!

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One critical aspect that often gets sidelined is the maintenance of your vehicle. Ignoring routine checks can lead to unexpected breakdowns, leaving you stranded and at the mercy of unfamiliar mechanics in an unknown area. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard by a flat tire, a dimming headlight, or a faltering battery when you're eager to reach your destination.

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We all like the thrill of packing our bags, setting out on the open road with music blaring. Our own personal karaoke time! Who wants their brakes to start grinding? That small drip of oil to all of a sudden gushing into puddles at the rest stop? Or even worse - out on the open roads, hundreds of miles between exits and your car decides to overheat?! 

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What about just commuting to and from work? That is a lot of wear on your vehicle every single day. 

*Cars are the most popular mode of transportation. Over 73% of American commuters use their own vehicle to get to work. Yes, people like to purchase junk cars to do so, but it's so much more important to take care of those vehicles because that is what is getting you to and from where you make your $$! 

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* Public transportation is less popular, only about 13% of commuters use public transportation. It also depends on where you are located for if it's realistic to use. 

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* Biking is even less popular. Only about 11% of commuters ride their bikes. We have had several stop in over time to refill the air in their tires. We don't mind! 

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* During the pandemic, remote work definitely increased. In 2019, less than 6% of employees worked from the comfort of their own home, compared with more than 15% in 2022. Now, more and more employers are requiring employees to go back to the office and that is increasing the traffic on the roadways. 

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* Commuting can be expensive! Owning and maintaining a car is expensive, and transportation is the second- highest average expense after housing. The cost of a broken vehicle still outweighs that of regular maintenance and upkeep. It's better to take care of now instead of a big bill later! 

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* Upgrading your car and maintaining you vehicle can save fuel. Upgrading from a vehicle that gets 16 mpg to one that gets 20 mpg saves 125 gallons of fuel over 10,000 miles. With an average daily commute of 42 miles, that saves a ton in the short and long term! 

 

That's where we come in. At Silva Family Automotive, we understand the importance of a reliable vehicle to ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable. Our expert team is dedicated to handling every aspect of your car's maintenance, from essential services like tire rotations and oil changes to comprehensive inspections of brakes, vehicle fluids, filters, belts, and hoses. With our proactive approach, we’ll help you navigate the road ahead with confidence, letting you focus on the adventure instead of worrying about what might go wrong.

 

Trust us to keep your vehicle in top shape, so you can hit the road with peace of mind and make every trip a memorable experience. Let Silva Family Automotive alleviate your vehicle concerns and enhance your safety on the exciting trip you have planned!