There’s no better way to explore the big, beautiful country that is Canada than with a summer road trip. Driving through the Rockies, heading into national parks, venturing into the lush wilderness — all that’s needed is a car and a plan to experience some of the country’s natural wonders.
But preparation is key, because unexpected moments are part of the journey. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to stay safe while having a great summer adventure.
So before buckling up, here’s a quick checklist to ensure your summer road trip stays on course.
Don’t rely on your phone
Smartphones have done wonders for keeping us all connected, but phone batteries and data plans may not hold up across the country — especially in more remote locations. So think about how you rely on your phone and pack alternatives in case of an emergency.
Opt for a dedicated GPS tracker or paper map (like a Michelin Canadian Road Map!), pack a flashlight, and bring extra batteries. These small details can save you from getting stuck on the side of the road.
Depending on how far you’re going, grab some in-case-of-emergency items like a first-aid kit stocked with extra medication you’ll need; mechanics’ tools like a tire iron, battery jumper, or tire inflator; and a good set of practical tools like a screwdriver or wrenches.
Also, not everywhere accepts credit cards. Stash some cash in a secure place in your car, and it could come in handy for everything from local gas stations to park entrance fees.
Get your car in top shape
The week leading up to a road trip isn’t the time to ignore your check engine light — and it’s certainly not the time to have worn tires. In fact, your tires are one of the most critical safety checks before hitting the road.
Tires get worn down for all sorts of reasons. Long highway drives, weather shifts, and adding more weight are all common things that wear your tires’ tread. It’s important to remember that your brakes may stop your wheels, but it’s the tires that stop your car.
Designed for SUVs and light trucks, the Michelin® Defender® LTX® M/S 2 Tires are built for all-season reliability, delivering exceptional traction and durability regardless of the road conditions.
The EverTred compound holds up on tough terrain and doesn’t let up when you need to make a detour through a gravel road or a rain-slicked highway. Not to mention the Defender LTX M/S 2 offers a quiet, comfortable ride and helps you go farther on less with fuel-saving efficiency.
These tires are also backed by the Michelin promise — which means you’re protected with a three-year warranty and 60-day guarantee.
Unsure of which tire best matches your car? Just head to the Michelin website and enter your details, like make, model, and year — and it will pair you with your ideal match. Don’t forget to grab a spare!
Stay comfortable
Now that you’ve gotten all the essentials out of the way, it’s time to prioritize your comfort. After all, you’ll be spending a lengthy amount of time sitting and driving.
Snacks and drinks are a must — especially plenty of water. It’s good to pack a mix of healthier snacks and snacks you like to eat. Consider getting a cooler bag so you can carry snacks like pre-cut fresh fruits and veggies without them spoiling too soon. The cooler also doesn’t hurt to keep your drinks cold.
Pro tip: if you freeze a few bottles of water before your trip, they double as ice packs for your cooler. Once they’ve melted, you can drink the ice-cold water.
Keeping your car clean is one of the best things you can do for yourself, as trash can pile up quickly. Having wet wipes on hand, along with paper towels, hand sanitizer, and a few small trash bags, can help keep you organized. Getting a few storage containers from the dollar store can also help organize your car so you’ll have convenient spots for everything you need. That means less rifling through the back seat and more focus on the road ahead.
While curating a road trip playlist is crucial, adding audiobooks into the mix will help make the drive a bit more engaging. There’s only so long you can listen to the same songs over and over again, and audiobooks will provide a bit of variety for you.
Ready to hit the road? Make sure your tires are too. Visit the Michelin website to find your perfect match using your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
Chris Middleton
Senior Staff Writer — Branded Content
Chris is currently the senior staff writer for the branded content studio at Zoomer Media, Hive Labs, which creates content for Daily Hive, blogTO, Curiocity, the Peak, and other Zoomer Digital properties. Based in Toronto, when he’s not scribbling screeds on his computer, you can find him scouring the city for the best spot to grab a bite, laying prone on the couch binge-watching reality TV, or traversing hiking trails with his dog, Omar.
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