Photo from unsplashOriginally Posted On: Car Renovations That Make Driving With Kids Easier – DIY Daddy (diydaddyblog.com)
When you were younger, you probably dreamed of owning a sleek, stylish and expensive sports car – taking to the roads in search of speed and adventure. However, when you have a young family who needs chauffeuring from school to dance class to football practice and beyond – a sports car is often not the right choice. Often, this means you have to say goodbye to your sports car dreams and settle for a more practical model, otherwise known as the family car.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you can’t make some renovations to your car. In fact, some of the below changes can actually make driving with kids a much better experience!
Install a Dashcam
Although safety should always be your priority when driving, you will feel the responsibility of driving more heavily when your children are sat in the backseat. This is due to your natural instincts as a parent – you are always going to put your child before anything else. One way in which you can help prioritise their safety is by installing dashcams to your car (front and back).
This means if the worst does happen and you end up in a car accident, footage of the incident will be recorded on camera and can be used in your defence should legal action be taken. It can also help you claim money on your insurance. Furthermore, drivers who use dashcams driver much safer than those without, perhaps because the camera seems to come with an added sense of responsibility.
Get New Tyres
New tyres can make a massive difference to how you drive and the kind of terrain your car can handle. For example, if you are planning on a road trip, through a range of terrain, 4wd rims and wheels can ensure you are prepared for even the toughest of terrains – be that dirt, mud or sand. There is a wide range of styles and sizes on offer, designed to provide you with precisely what you need, no matter what kind of journey you are heading on.
Get A Custom Paint Job
A custom paint job can make a massive difference to the appearance of your car, especially if you have a lot of scratches, scuff marks or rust on the exterior. Similarly, you may have noticed that your paint has begun to fade or peel away. A paint job can resolve all of these issues in one job – and can turn a dingy car into one that looks almost brand new. As most people will only see the outside of your car, it can make a huge difference in how you feel about your vehicle.
However, be sure to choose your new colour carefully. For example, although white may look sleek and stylish, it fades quicker than other colours, and any dirt or grime is more visible on the surface due to the fact it is rather pale. If you are driving through particularly muddy or dirty areas, darker cars will show less of the evidence and will need cleaning less frequently.
Install a Seat Mirror
When you have a small child, they may find comfort in being able to see their parents at all times. In fact, some toddlers even begin to cry if they cannot make eye contact with their mother or father – and screaming children is not the perfect accompaniment to a car journey. At best, it is frustrating, and at worst, it can take your focus away from the road. Therefore, you may benefit from installing seat mirrors that allow you to see your baby clearly and for them to see you too!
Grab An Activity Seat Cover
Activity seat covers attach to the back of the front seats. It includes several different pockets or compartments in which you can store different activities to keep your children entertained or even a few snacks. Many also include a pocket in which you can safely attach an iPad or similar device, so they can watch their favourite show when you’re driving, and you don’t have to worry about them dropping the expensive device. By providing them with a wide range of activities to keep them busy – from colouring to crafts to books- you are guaranteeing yourself some much-needed peace and quiet and can avoid the dreaded ‘are we there yet?’ questioning. This tool is handy if you are heading out on a long drive or a road trip, as small children get bored with looking out of the window very quickly.
