Tips for Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids can be tricky, but it's an important task to master. If you have kids, you're likely going to be traveling with them a few different times of the year, at the least. Whether it's going on a summer vacation or visiting family around the holidays, the team at Spieler's Inc. knows how important it is to be able to take a road trip with your family. Take a look below to learn a few tips that may come in handy next time you load up the car for a trip!

Plan Your Route

Before you hit the road, know what route you will take to your destination. Try to plan your approximate stops. It's good to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs. This is a great opportunity for your kids to get out and run some of that pent-up energy off! Also, plan out your stops for fuel. This is important if you are going through a long stretch of highway with little to no gas stations. You don't want to run out of gas on your road trip - it will put a big damper on your plans!

Pack Plenty of Snacks

Buying snacks beforehand is much more inexpensive than buying at a gas station. If you have snacks in the car already, you won't have to stop for a quick bite, either. It's a great way to help keep the car rolling down the highway and keep your crew happy! Granola bars, dried fruits, and nuts are all easy and healthy snacks to keep on hand.

Prepare Entertainment

It's important to have a variety of entertainment options available for your kids. Puzzles and cards are great non-electric game options. A portable DVD player or other electronic device is another way to keep the kids entertained for a couple hours with their favorite movie. Try to play road trip games as a family as well. It's a great way to get the entire vehicle involved and help pass the time!

Pick a Playlist

Rocking out to some great music is another fun way to entertain your kids. Pick a variety of their favorite songs for the ultimate road trip playlist. While their favorites may not be the same as yours, you can always have your own playlist ready for when they take a nap!

Now that you know these tips to make traveling with kids easier, you're ready to plan your next adventure. Before you hit the road, ensure your ride is up for the challenge! Bring your vehicle into our California, MO vehicle maintenance shop. We can do a quick maintenance check and ensure your ride is ready to roll. While you're here, we can perform a routine oil change to help your engine run at it's best for your big excursion with your family!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

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Tips to Prepare for Your Next Road Trip

Road trips are a fun way to travel with your friends and family. While flying can get you to and from your destination in a hurry, it can be more cost effective to drive. And you'd miss a TON of scenery along the way if you fly. Summer is a popular time for road trips. As your family-owned car dealership in California, MO, we know how much fun traveling can be. Whether you are headed to a specific destination or out to make memories on a long road trip, we'd be honored to help you prepare your ride for the trip. Take a look below to find some helpful tips are you gear up for your next excursion!

1) Fill All Fluids

Check your oil, windshield fluid, and any other engine fluids required. Also, make sure your gas tank is full before your big trip. This can help ensure your ride is ready for your excursion.

2) Clean Car

Take some time to clean your car up before you hit the road. This will give you and your crew a fresh start for your trip. Vacuum out your car and wash the exterior for a sleek ride for your road trip!

3) Plan Your Route

Before you head out, plan your route. Even if you are being adventurous and taking it day-by-day, it's important to have an idea of where you're headed. Summer is prime time for road construction. Try to plan your route around major road construction that may have you sitting in traffic.

4) Have Entertainment Ready

Whether it's an adult only trip or a family vacation, entertainment is often needed when traveling. From movies to games to music, try to plan some entertainment ahead of time. Also, have plenty of options ready. Kids get tired of a certain activity quickly and you may need another entertainment option on hand.

5) Pack Snacks

It's important to have food on hand for your next road trip. This can help you avoid stopping frequently for a quick snack. It can also be more cost effective than buying food at a gas station!

6) Distribute Weight Evenly

When packing your items in your ride, think about comfort and weight distribution. If you have a heavy object, try to put that on the side where less passenger weight will be. This can help your ride travel down the road straighter and not put extra wear and tear on your shocks and tires.

7) Check Your Emergency Kit

Ensure your emergency kit is stocked. Jumper cables, first aid kit, flashlight, and non-perishable food are all great items to include in your kit. While no one plans on needing these items, it sure comes in handy if you do!

Before you hit the road, be sure your ride is ready to take on the road. Stop by our dealership for all of your needs for car maintenance in mid-Missouri. We look forward to helping you prepare your ride! Be sure to tell us about your upcoming trip - we love hearing where our customers are off to on their summer vacations! From the entire staff at Spieler's Inc., we wish you a memorable and SAFE road trip this summer!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Make Your Summer Road Trip EASY!

Are you planning a road trip this summer? Whether you are traveling to a fun destination with your kids or are going to visit friends or family, summer is a great time for a road trip. With the kids out of school and the warmer weather, it makes the ideal time to travel with your family. As your family-owned car dealership in California, MO, we know how much fun road trips can be! Take a look below for some tips to make your adventures a little easier this summer!

Entertain the Kids

Making memories with your family is what a road trip is all about! Help make sure they are fond memories by keeping your kids entertained during your adventures. Road trip games, music, and other entertainment options are key for happy travelers! Your kids may get tired of one entertainment method fairly quickly and it's important to have the next ready to go.

Stay Full and Hydrated

Pack plenty of snacks for your road trip. Many travelers get hungry while on the road. Stopping for a fast food meal or gas station snack can get expensive. Save money and bring your own snacks in the car. Consider packing a cooler with drinks for your family, as well. It's important to stay well hydrated when you are out of your normal routine and traveling.

Distribute Evenly when Packing

When packing your ride for your family excursion, think about weight distribution. An even load can help your vehicle drive straighter down the road. If a ton of weight is on one side, it can be hard on your suspension, as well. Try to think about passenger comfort when packing the car. You don't want everyone to be cramped in the back - this may lead to some cranky passengers!

Plan your Route

Before you leave on your road trip, try to map out your route. This can help give you a good idea of your arrival time, and where stops can be made along the way. Ensure there are plenty of gas stations along your route and if there's not plan accordingly. Also look for road construction in the areas in which you plan to travel to help reduce the chance of being stuck in traffic.

Prepare Your Ride

Do a check of your vehicle before you hit the road for your trip this summer. Ensure your tank is full, your oil is fresh (and full), and your tires have a good amount of tread left. This can help you get to and from your destination safely!

Now that you know these road trip tips, you're ready to start planning your getaway. Whether you are going somewhere over the upcoming holiday weekend or are planning a longer getaway with your family, our California, MO car dealership is here for you. Bring your ride by for a quick maintenance check. We can do an oil change and make sure your tires are ready for your upcoming adventures! We look forward to helping you get on the road this summer!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Tips for a Road Trip with Kids

With the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, a number of people will be traveling out of town. With the increased number of people on the highway, you may likely be one of them! The best car dealership in mid-MO is here for all of your road trip needs. From helping you get your oil changed to replacing your tires before you hit the road, we can help you prepare your ride. After your ride is ready to go, it's important that your vehicle occupants are ready for the trip as well. Spieler's Inc. has provided some tips for your next road trip with the kids.

Safety First

Did you know 3 out of 4 car seats are not installed properly? Before your take off, ensure your kids are safe and comfortable. Whether your little ones are in car seats or older, it's important that they are securely fastened in their seats. Try to keep your children comfortable too. They may tend to be less restless if they can comfortably ride in the vehicle.

Provide Entertainment

Another important tip is to have entertainment for your children handy. From DVD players stocked with their favorite movies to hands on activities, keep a wide variety of entertainment options available for your next road trip. If you run out of ideas, you can always try to play the license plate game or alphabet game, as you drive to your destination.

Keep Snacks Handy

Just like at home, your kids may tend to need a snack every few hours. Be sure to pack plenty of their favorites for your next road trip. From crackers to dried fruit, there are a number of easily portable snacks available. Along with snacks, make sure you have enough water for your trip, as well.

Allow Time For Stops

When you plan out your route, be sure to plan adequate time for plenty of stops. From bathroom breaks to stretching your legs, it's important to stop on a regular basis and let your kids get a little exercise. Many road side parks have a nice walking path, jungle gyms, and restrooms, ideal for your next road trip.

Strategically Pack

When packing your car, try to keep the comfort of your passengers in mind.  If space allows, keep all unnecessary bags in the truck or back of the vehicle. Also try to distribute the weight of your luggage and passengers evenly. This can help promote a smoother ride for all.

Ready to hit the road now? If you and your family plan to head out of town this holiday weekend, ensure your vehicle and family is prepared. From packing snacks for the kids to planning time for frequent stops, it's important to be ready for your next road trip. Your trusted car dealer in California, MO is here to ensure your vehicle is ready to roll this weekend. Give us a call to schedule your service before your next road trip!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Preparing for Your Memorial Day Weekend Road Trip

Many people across the country are gearing up for their Memorial Day Weekend vacations. If you are planning on taking a road trip this weekend, there are some things that you should be mindful of before hitting the road. Spieler’s INC is here to help make sure your car is ready for any long or short distance trip.

1. Check Your Fluids

In order for a car to function properly, it has to have the proper amount of fluids. Whether it is the engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze/coolant or even gasoline, make sure your car has the proper amount of each. You don’t want to get a few minutes down the road and find out you need to fill up, or don’t have enough oil in the car.

2. Check Your Tires

There are two things you need to focus on when checking your tires, including tire pressure and threads. Threads are important to insure proper traction.  Tire pressure is important to insure you do not get a flat tire while on your trip. In the summer, the air pressure should be closer to the maximum tire pressure. If you do not know what size your tire should be filled at, there is a PSI number on the side of the tire.

3. Check Your Lights

Check all the lights on your car, including the headlights, blinkers, break lights and interior lighting. Faulty lights can be dangerous on the road because other drivers will not be able gauge their distance from you. Also, you could be pulled over if your lights aren’t working properly. 

4. Check Your Windshield Wipers

In the Midwest, summer is considered the rainy season. You do not want to be stuck driving in a thunderstorm with windshield wipers that don’t work properly.

5. Check Your Air Conditioning

It gets hot and humid in the summer. You will want to make sure your air conditioning is working properly. The last thing you need on your road trip is to find out the AC is not working and you have to sweat your way through the rest of the drive.

6. Check Your Battery

Check your battery to ensure it is fully charged and has clean terminals. Your road trip will not be fun if your car won’t start.

7. Schedule a Check Up

If your car needs anything fixed before your trip, Spieler’s INC can help. Our service team can help with any issues your car is facing from oil changes to tire alignment. Visit our website for our current service department specials: http://www.spielersinc.com/index.asp. 

Enjoy the Ride! 

After your car is running smoothly, make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water. Don’t forget to regularly check your oil during long road trips. Spieler’s INC wishes everyone a happy Memorial Day Weekend and drive safe!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

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Let Spieler’s Inc Help You with Your Next Road Trip!

Road trips are a great time to reconnect with your family. It's less about the destination and more about the experiences you and your family can create together. At Spieler's Inc., we've come up with a list of great ideas to keep your family entertained and stimulated for your next road trip.

1. Snacks are a Must Have - for Kids and Adults Alike

It's never fun being hungry. Packing snacks is a road trip staple, but where do you put them? There are several ways you can condense several smaller snacks for kids, including using a small organizer to separate different snacks and provide some variety. If your kids are older, consider using a shoe rack filled with small Tupperware containers of snacks attached to the back of the driver and passenger seats.

2. Entertainment Doesn't Have to Come from Electronics

While nearly everyone has a cell phone these days, road trips are supposed to be about bringing everyone closer! There are games like "I Spy" that you can play with the immediate surroundings, or the license plate game, where you get a point for every license plate not from the state you are currently in. Bonus points for far away plates! The idea behind these games is to initiate conversations and enhance the otherwise duller aspects of being in an enclosed space for a long period of time.

3. Music Makes the Trip More Fun

Quiet, unmoving, and long car rides can really take a toll on the mood in the vehicle. Lighten it up with a fun playlist full of road trip music. Fill it with songs everyone can sing, or songs only dad can belt out - to everyone's entertainment!

4. Plan for Rest Stops and Small Breaks

Adults can go a long time in a vehicle before needing to stop for rest and recovery. Young children are unpredictable - they require much more attention and their bodies simply can't handle long trips with no breaks. Plan to stop more often if traveling with children and make it fun! Get the kids out to stretch, walk a lap around a gas station, invigorate the mood and shake things up. Being cooped up in a vehicle can make young kids cranky.

5. Don't Plan Every Stop

This may seem a counterpoint to #4, but if you make a rigid plan, you may miss some awesome opportunities while on the trip. Did you see that billboard advertising the world's largest rocking chair? Go visit it! Combine it with one of your rest stops and you've not only rejuvenated the family, but you've added a memory that no one is likely to forget. The idea is to travel where the road takes you and still wind up at your final destination.

Spielers Inc. Loves Helping Your Family Get on the Road

At the best car dealership near Jefferson City, we love road trips for their ability to draw family and friends together. There's arguably no better way to enjoy a road trip than with picking out a vehicle at the best Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep dealership in Missouri. Come in and test drive your next family vacation vehicle today!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:

www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on LinkedIn