Best items to bring on a road trip

Sponsored by Toco Warranty

Road trips remain one of the most popular ways to vacation and see different destinations in the U.S. Whether with family or friends, you can make lasting memories with those you love by traveling in your vehicle. However, with so much travel time to get across the country by car, there are some essentials you need to bring with you. Here are some of the best items to help you get where you’re going more enjoyably:

Music
If sitting in the car seems boring, playing music can help pass the miles more comfortably. If there are small children in the car, consider bringing along sing-along soundtracks to keep the little ones entertained and get the whole family involved in something together. If you have the time, create a road trip playlist before you leave and jam along to some of your favorite tunes.

Audiobooks
Depending on how many people and who you have in the car, picking out road trip music might be a source of trouble. With several people, there is bound to be some disagreement about what type of music to listen to. A good solution to this problem is to listen to audiobooks. Books on tape are also a great way to pass the time, as engaging stories can distract everyone from seemingly endless hours on the road.

Maps
While most cars and cellphones are now equipped with GPS capabilities, there is nothing wrong with using a good old-fashioned regular map to navigate to your destination. There is also a chance that your GPS could malfunction or run out of battery, leaving you out of luck unless you have a map. Be sure to pack one and plan out a route before hitting the road. You can also use the map to pick fun places to check out along the way. Making short stops at scenic overlooks, interesting sites or unique restaurants will help break up the trip and help expend any energy from being cooped up in the car for a long time.

Cooler and food
When traveling a long distance, there is no doubt you and everyone else will get hungry on the way. If you want to avoid stopping too frequently to pick up snacks and beverages, pack a cooler with some favorite snacks and water bottles. Not only will this minimize your traveling time, but it can also help you save money compared to eating out. Additionally, this will give you the option to choose healthier snacks and avoid eating fast food if you desire.

Camera
While not an essential, a camera will enable you to capture any great memories of your road trip. If you are planning on stopping at new places on the way to your destination, a camera with extra batteries is a better option than using your cellphone because you won’t have the same risk of having too little memory space or running out of battery to capture an image. Taking pictures along your route can also be a fun activity to do with everyone in the vehicle during driving breaks.

Article Resource: http://tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/Entry/66?hypCategory=Toco-Tips&title=Best-items-to-bring-on-a-road-trip

Preparing your car for cold weather

Sponsored by Toco Warranty

October is Car Care Month, and as the temperature outside begins to get cooler, it’s important to protect your car to help ensure it runs smoothly in the months ahead. The checklist below will get you started:

Cold weather car care checklist:

• Lights:  As the days get shorter and the sky stays darker for longer periods of time, there’s a good chance you will need to use your car’s headlights more frequently. This sustained use can make your lights wear out sooner. Proper lighting is crucial for driving safely in the dark or in bad weather, so be sure to check that your car’s headlights are still shining brightly, or if they need to be replaced.  Also be sure to check that your brake lights and turn signals are functioning properly.
  
• Tires:  The air pressure in your car’s tires decreases by about a pound for every 10 degrees the temperature drops.  Consequently, as the weather gets colder, it is even more important to check the pressure in your tires regularly.
  
• Brakes:  Cold weather and falling leaves brings wet, slippery roads, so being able to stop your car properly is critically important to your safety. When brake pads wear down or your brake fluid is low, you may find that your car won’t stop as quickly. Have your car’s brakes checked before the road conditions change to better prepare you for bad weather driving.
  
• Windshield Wipers:  Being able to see the road clearly is important for driving your car safely. In addition to having functional wiper blades, it’s a good idea to check wiper fluid, as drivers often use more in the rain or snow. You might even want to carry some with you as an additional safety precaution. Also, be sure to check to see if your blades are cracked, as this is a sign that they should be replaced.
  
• Battery:  As temperatures drop, it’s possible for the cold to drain your car’s battery. Consider replacing your car battery if it is more than 3 years old, and check to be sure there is no corrosion on the car battery itself, or on the battery connections. 

Article Resource: http://tocowarranty.tumblr.com/post/100453064742/preparing-your-car-for-cold-weather

Our Story

At Toco, we believe that no one should ever be grounded by auto mechanic bills they can't afford. That's why we're introducing a whole new approach to the vehicle service contract that puts the consumer first.

If you could put a price on peace of mind, Toco's would be the lowest.

Founded in 2013, Toco offers a revolutionary approach to the vehicle service contract. The way we see it, a vehicle service contract should be a simple and affordable monthly expense, much like the utility bill. By paying a small amount each month, with no interest or down payment, you can keep your vehicle protected. Our plans maximize coverage based on mileage and age while keeping fees affordable.

How are we able to offer a better product with better service at a lower cost? It's because we've vertically integrated all necessary parties, from claims administration to the A-rated insurance company that backs the service contracts to our stellar customer service team. We do not work with outside third parties, just a direct relationship between us and you.

Toco is located in sunny Studio City, CA, just one mile away from Universal Studios. The high energy of this neighborhood is directly reflected in Toco's passion for serving its customers. Just like the Toco toucan, our team is a spirited, fun, and creative bunch of people dedicated to high-quality service.

Backed by AmTrust Financial Services, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, Toco is the experienced, legitimate, and affordable solution for protecting your car.

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All plans require a mandatory Waiting Period before coverage takes effect, which starts from the contract purchase date and vehicle's odometer mileage at contract purchase date.  Covered services are also subject to a $100 deductible, per visit.  See Registration Page and terms and conditions for full coverage details.Not all vehicles are eligible for coverage; discuss with your Toco Warranty representative to confirm your vehicle's eligibility.Plans referenced herein are not contracts of insurance; they are Vehicle Service Contracts (except in Alaska, California and New Jersey, where the plans are sold as mechanical breakdown insurance, which is not the same as bodily injury/property damage liability automobile insurance that may be required by your state). Click here for information regarding the plans available in Alaska, California, and New Jersey.  Plans are not available in Missouri and Washington.  Information provided herein is for illustration/summary purposes only.  Terms and conditions apply; contact Toco Warranty for a copy of the full terms and conditions of the plans referenced herein. Vehicle Service Contract coverage is provided and administered by Warrantech Automotive, Inc.  In the following states, coverage is provided by: in Florida – Wesco Insurance Company (as obligor and administrator), 59 Maiden Lane, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10038, License #01913 and Toco Warranty Corp. (as seller), 10960 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604, License #W139014; in Oklahoma – Warrantech Automotive of Florida, Inc. (as obligor),  P.O. Box 959, Bedford, TX 76095.  We are not affiliated with any manufacturer or dealership.Roadside Assistance Services are provided by Nation Safe Drivers, 800 Yamato Rd. Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 (except as otherwise noted for your state in the terms and conditions).