MOVING SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR CAR AND YOU
It’s moving day! There’s a lot of excitement, but a lot to consider too. Here are some moving safety tips to help things go smoothly, keep your car and belongings in good condition, and make sure you get to your new home safely.
Avoid Bedlam With a Poorly Secured Mattress
Besides being unsightly, tossing a mattress on the roof of your car and securing it with bungee cords, rope or the clinging hands of the people inside is unsafe. Don’t do it.
There’s a lot of mass to a mattress, and no matter what you do, the wind generated by your car’s forward motion is going to go up your windshield — in between the roof and the mattress — and start to separate the mattress from the car. Your mattress will think it can fly. And it can — backward.
That’s not only bad for your mattress; it’s bad for everyone behind you in traffic. And it’s bad for you, because you’ll be responsible for the accident that may happen when your mattress covers the next driver’s windshield, or when it lands on the road right in front of them and causes damage to their car.
Maximize Space Inside Your Car — Safely
What is a car but a box on four wheels, right? So put your things in the car first. But there’s a moving safety tip for that too: Make sure you’re not blocking your vision through your windows, windshield or mirrors. Check that you’re not blocking your ability to steer, shift or use your pedals. And don’t overload your car beyond its capacity or its tires’ capacity. (Check the information in your owner’s manual for the weight limit).
Use Your Trunk Space as Wisely as Possible
Again, the best of our moving safety tips is don’t overload. That means weight, but it also means being able to put your trunk lid down and have it latch when you’re done. Check your state’s laws. Under some circumstances, you may be legally permitted to drive short distances with the trunk open, but closed is best.
Invest in a Solid Rooftop Storage Solution
As covered above, tying your belongings to your roof with rope or bungee cords isn’t the best approach. Things can come loose or damage the finish of your roof, or both. A roof top carrier is a great investment. A good one can hold 15 cubic feet of cargo, which is like adding a second trunk to your car.
A move to a new place is one of the most exciting and rewarding things in life. Taking the extra time to do it right can make it a pleasant experience, helping to avoid headaches, hassles and safety hazards.
Check out all the cargo cable, chain and tie-down products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on using your car safely, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
