Family Road Trip Tips

At a time when travel is particularly challenging, family outings on four wheels can be the perfect way to stay together, and stay safe.

There’s something liberating about bundling the family into the car and setting off on an adventure. But for those in the driver’s seat, there’s also additional responsibility. So whether you like to know exactly where you are, or prefer to go wherever the road takes you, here are some tips to make sure the trip is memorable, and safe, for everyone.

Ready for anything

If you have the right vehicle, one that can easily switch from expressways to dirt tracks, the only limit to your journey is your imagination.

But before you set off on any trip you need to make sure your car is prepared to take you to your destination. Check your tires, your oil and coolant levels and your windshield wiper fluid. It’s also wise to make sure your windshield wiper blades aren’t damaged. Faulty windshield wipers contribute to poor visibility, which is a leading cause of car accidents. Subaru takes windshield wiper safety seriously, with rain sensor technology that recognizes rainfall and sets your wipers in motion automatically.

Next, it’s a good idea to read up on the rules of the road before you take off, especially if you’re going someplace you’ve never been. For instance, along with your drivers license you will need an international driving permit for certain countries in Asia, such as the Philippines and Singapore. You will also need to make sure you know which side of the road to drive on, given that motorists in some Southeast Asian countries drive on the left side of the road (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong) while other SEA countries drive on the right side of the road (Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Cambodia).

For drivers who spend most of their drive-time on the expressway, having the chance to explore the open road with their families can be exciting. Just make sure you know your terrain. After all, the ‘scenic route’ can mean many different things - from twisting switchbacks to leisurely drives along the coastline. The best peace of mind comes from knowing your car can handle anything you put in front of it.

Subaru’s class-leading ground clearance (220mm), combined with ample approach and departure angles, will let you safely drive over most terrains without concern for either scraping the undercarriage or getting stuck. For families that prefer the excitement of taking twisting roads through the countryside, Subaru’s Boxer engine together with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring can ensure stability, even if you head too fast into the turn.

Safe and secure

We all know that wearing a seatbelt is key to car safety, but just in case you or the other front seat passenger forgets, Subaru’s seatbelt reminder will let everyone else know you’ve failed to buckle up. You’ll also want to ensure that your backseat passengers are belted up and little ones have the appropriate car seat for their age and height (regulations can vary from country to country).

While those in the front keep their eyes on the road, it can be hard to keep track of the mischief that bored little fingers get up to in the back. Thankfully Subaru’s child-proof rear door locks stop the doors from being accidentally (or deliberately) opened. Subaru’s anti-pinch power windows will also keep kids from getting fingers or hands stuck between the power windows and window frame, while the power rear gate and sunroof also have anti-pinch features to protect those onboard from remembering the family road trip for the wrong reasons.

The ‘scenic route’ can mean many different things - from twisting switchbacks to leisurely drives along the coastline.

Finally, driving for hours can be exhausting. So on the way back you may want to take your foot off the gas. If you’re using Adaptive Cruise Control, Subaru’s EyeSight system will allow you to maintain a set, safe distance from the vehicle on the road in front of you, even as that vehicle changes speed. And if it’s late, and the roads aren’t well lit, you’ll also be glad your Subaru comes with High Beam Assist which automatically adjusts the headlights from high to low-beam so you won’t blind the drivers approaching you in the other lane.

Family road trips can be an amazing experience for everyone - even for those who have the additional responsibility of being behind the wheel. One way to enjoy the ride is to make sure you’re driving a car that puts everyone’s safety first.