Getting from one city to another has a lot to do with your means of transportation. If you’re using a car, you may have to drive hundreds of miles. The type of vehicle you use will determine how enjoyable (or not) your journey will be. Getting a good car for your journey means choosing a robust vehicle that can withstand the rigors of road travel. Finding a reputable car dealer like Conklin Buick GMC Hutchinson is the first step. If you visit our Hutchinson showroom, you can pick the right car to ensure a smooth road journey.

Getting From Kansas City to South Hutchinson

With more than 200 miles separating these two locations, any planned trip needs to be efficient and comfortable. In addition to getting the right car, you need to know the most efficient route to take. A typical route for most people is following Interstate 35 (I-35) through Lebo, Ottawa, El Dorado, Emporia, and Andover. These are the towns that lie along I-35 from Kansas City to South Hutchinson. Of course, you can always switch things up. For example, once you reach Emporia after having departed Kansas City, you can take a detour off I-35 and head west toward Cottonwood Falls, a small town that lies on the path of Route 50. You can choose to follow this path straight toward Newton and then turn south until you get to South Hutchinson. This route is better for those on tour as compared to those trying to get to South Hutchinson faster.

The direct route following towns like Emporia and Andover should take less than three and a half hours.

Type of Car to Use

The last thing you want is to have car trouble when traveling from Kansas City to South Hutchinson. The type of car you choose will determine your driving experience. The trick is to find a car that would be most suitable for such a journey. Both Kansas City and South Hutchinson are two locations surrounded by vast farmlands and uninhabited areas of the Midwestern region. This means you’ll drive for long without seeing any houses. A truck or an SUV would be most suitable. However, a sedan will do just fine as long as it’s in good condition. If you’re the more adventurous type, you can opt for a van instead. Of course, other considerations will also determine the kind of vehicle you’ll use for this trip. For example, are you traveling alone or with a contingent? Do you have excess luggage, or are you traveling light? Such considerations will determine the kind of car you choose for this trip.

Preparations

Going on a road trip is fun. However, it can quickly turn into an unpleasant experience if you don’t make the right preparations in advance. Any such preparations begin by getting a certified mechanic to go over the car to ensure that everything is in good working order. Unless your vehicle is brand new, it will likely have signs of wear due to prolonged use. For example, your car could vibrate every time you try to park it. This could be the first sign of brake pad wear, something that can become a disaster if not addressed promptly. 

The right kind of tires is also crucial. For long drives, you want an all-weather set of tires that can adapt to treacherous surfaces like wet asphalt caused by rainfall or snowfall.

Ensuring that your car has the right tires, brake pads, and all such things is why hiring a certified mechanic is important.

Ensuring to pack road travel necessities will save you a lot of trouble. Something as simple as forgetting your driver’s license at home can instantly ruin your journey from Kansas City to South Hutchinson if you get pulled over or detained by a state trooper. Pack things like light flashlights and spare batteries, a spare tire with the right jack, an extra car key, and anything that you think you may need during the trip.

Driving vs. Flying

Flying can be a relatively faster option. However, it might not be any different from using a vehicle if your flight goes through another city. For instance, you may have to fly through Detroit when heading to South Hutchinson. Such a layover means that your travel time will be prolonged. Driving from Kansas City to South Hutchinson is easier on your wallet compared to flying.

All in all, driving to South Hutchinson from Kansas City is a relatively quick option considering that you can start your journey immediately if you have your vehicle ready. Given that sometimes there are flight delays, it might even be your fastest option.