Back-to-School Vehicle Checklist: Make Sure Your Car is Ready for the School year in Eastern North Carolina

Living in Goldsboro, or Wayne County, means you're only a few hours away from some of North Carolina's most beautiful beaches. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a quick day trip, Eastern North Carolina offers plenty of coastal destinations that are easy to reach by car. No matter if you are seeking your new favorite restaurant, your next big catch, trying your hand at watersports, or just relaxing on the sand, North Carolina beaches have something for every traveler. Here's a look at some of the best beaches within driving distance of Goldsboro and what makes each one worth visiting. Atlantic Beach Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours Why Visit? Atlantic Beach is one of the most popular family-friendly beaches on the Crystal Coast. The beach is not the only thing you will find in Atlantic Beach! Atlantic Beach is also home to Atlantic Beach Town Park, Fort Macon State Park, and the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Visitors can also enjoy: wide sandy beaches calm swimming areas fishing opportunities nearby restaurants and shops Best For Atlantic Beach is best for families, couples, and first-time beach visitors. With the mix of surf, sand, history, and nature it is hard to go wrong. Emerald Isle Drive Time: Approximately 2.25 hours Why Visit? Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Emerald Isle offers a quieter experience that some larger beach destinations. Emerald Isle, though quieter, still has its well-known Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier as well the Salty Pirate Water Park, which can be a great intermission from the beach. Visitors of Emerald Isle can also enjoy: clean beaches bike paths family-friendly parks excellent sunset views Best For Emerald Isle, even though it houses a water park, is best for travelers who are looking to relax while avoiding larger crowds. Wrightsville Beach Drive Time: Approximately 1.75 hours Why Visit? Wrightsville Beach combines beautiful coastal scenery with plenty of experiences to be had. From shopping and watersport activities to harbor cruises and deep sea fishing, Wrightsville has you covered. Some of the more popular attractions include: paddleboarding surfing waterfront dining scenic walking paths Best For With all Wrightsville Beach has to offer it's best for active travelers and families. Learn to catch waves together as you take surf lessons or stand-up paddleboard as a family or set sail on a pirate-themed odyssey to Masonboro Island with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. Carolina Beach Drive Time: Approximately 1.75 hours Why Visit? Carolina Beach offers a classic North Carolina beach-town experience. With a century-old (and nationally recognized) beach boardwalk, hiking trails at Carolina Beach State Park, surf lessons from an Olympic Surfer (and gold medalist), and a classic glazed donut from the famous Britt's Donut Shop there is not much that Carolina Beach could leave you wanting. Visitors to Carolina Beach enjoy: the century-old boardwalk local seafood restaurants seasonal events (like the amusement rides at the boardwalk) and festivals fishing piers Best For Carolina Beach is best for those families that are looking for entertainment beyond the beach itself. Whether you want take a break and browse the shops and treats along the boardwalk, check out the native carnivorous plants at the state park, or experience the nightlife at the Carolina Beach Music Festival (NC's largest and only music festival held on the beach), you will find plenty to do both on and off the sand. Kure Beach Drive Time: Approximately 1.75 hours Why Visit? Just south of Carolina Beach, Kure beach provides a quieter atmosphere with smaller crowds. Take in the ocean view from a bench swing at Ocean Front Park or reel in a catch of the day from Kure Beach Fishing Pier, one of the oldest of its kind on the Atlantic Coast or spend a day visiting the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Attractions visitors enjoy include: Kure Beach Fishing Pier (711-feet long) Fort Fisher Area relaxed beach access Best For Kure Beach is best for couples and visitors who are seeking a peaceful beach day free from the hustle and bustle or larger areas. Topsail Beach Drive Time: Approximately 4 hours Why Visit? Topsail Beach, a quiet, family-oriented coastal town on the southern end of Topsail Island, remains one of the hidden gems of coastal North Carolina. Reasons that locals and travelers alike love it are: less commercial development excellent shell collecting family-friendly environment scenic ocean views Best For Travelers who want a slower-paced coastal getaway that still provides access to fishing, watersports and dining. Topsail Beach is also home to the Missiles and More Museum, which allows you to explore the island's fascinating history, including World War II's Operation Bumblebee and the area's guided missile programs. Oak Island default Drive Time: Approximately 4.5 hours Why Visit? Home of one of North Carolina's Coastal Lighthouses, the Oak Island Lighthouse, Oak Island offers miles of shoreline and welcoming small-town feel. Popular activities on Oak Island include: beachcombing fishing kayaking wildlife viewing Best For Oak Island is best for long weekend trips and outdoor enthusiasts. Vehicle Tip Before Your Beach Trip Before loading up and heading to the coast, make sure your vehicle is ready for the drive. There are several maintenance items you will want to keep an eye on and check prior to leaving, including: tire pressure engine oil level battery condition windshielf wipers brake performance air conditioning system A quick inspection can help prevent unexpected issues during your trip and make the drive more enjoyable Which Vehicle is Best for Beach Travel? The right vehicle depends on your travel style and what your trip entails. SUVs Great for: families extra luggage beach gear road trip comfort Trucks Ideal for: coolers and outdoor equipment camping gear boats and trailers Sedans Perfect for: fuel efficiency day trips smaller groups Plan Your Next Beach Getaway from Goldsboro From the Crystal Coast to the Wilmington area, there are plenty of beautiful beaches within easy driving distance of Goldsboro and Wayne County. Whether you're looking for family fun, outdoor adventure, or a relaxing weekend by the water, North Carolina's coastline offers something for everyone. Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip so you can focus on enjoying the sand, sun, and ocean views.

Eastern North Carolina residents are no strangers to hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms such as Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Matthew, and numerous tropical systems over the years have demonstrated how quickly weather conditions can change and how important preparation can be. From heavy rain and flash flooding to fallen trees and extended power outages, hurricanes can create serious challenges for vehicle owners. Whether you're commuting around Goldsboro, traveling along Highway 70, or preparing for a possible evacuation, taking a few preventative steps now can help protect your vehicle and keep your family safer when storms arrive. Here's a practical hurricane season vehicle preparation checklist to help North Carolina drivers protect their vehicles and prepare for severe weather. Why Hurricane Season Matters for Eastern North Carolina Drivers Eastern North Carolina regularly experiences: heavy rainfall flash flooding high winds downed power lines road closures debris-covered roadways Even tropical storms that never reach hurricane strength can cause significant vehicle damage and travel disruptions. For drivers in Wayne County and surrounding communities, preparation before a storm arrives is often much easier than dealing with repairs afterward. If you happen to currently be in the market for a vehicle you will also want to make sure the vehicle you are considering is storm-ready before purchase as well. If you are unsure what vehicle may work best for your needs you may enjoy reading our SUV vs Truck post to help you make your decision. Check Your Battery Before Storm Season Summer heat is already tough on vehicle batteries. When hurricane-related power outages occur, many drivers depend on their vehicles for: transportation phone charging emergency travel access to supplies Your vehicle will often give you signs that its battery is getting weak or in low health. Warning signs of a weakening battery include: slow engine cranking dim headlights dashboard battery warning lights corrosion around battery terminals If your battery is more than three years old, hurricane season is the perfect time to have it tested. Inspect Tires for Wet Weather Driving Tires are your first line of defense during heavy rain. Ensuring your tires are in good operating condition is crucial. When inspecting your tires be sure to check: tire tread depth tire pressure uneven wear patterns sidewall damage Worn tires increase the risk of hydroplaning, especially during sudden downpours common throughout Eastern North Carolina. Properly inflated tires also improve handling and braking performance when roads become slick. Verify Your Windshield Wipers Are Ready Many drivers don't realize how quickly wiper blades wear out. If your blades leave streaks, skip across the windshield, or make unusual noises, replacement may be needed. Maintaining good wipers is key to maintaining good visibility, which becomes especially important during: tropical storms heavy rain bands evacuation traffic nighttime driving in severe weather Most experts recommend replacing wiper blades every 6-12 months. If you notice any tears, cracks, or missing pieces in your wipers, then you will want to replace them immediately even if you are well within the replacement window. Top Off Essential Fluids Before hurricane season peaks, you are also going to want to ensure that your vehicle's fluids are at the proper levels. Fluids that are essential to have checked: engine oil coolant brake fluid windshield washer fluid transmission fluid Maintaining proper fluid levels helps ensure your vehicle performs reliably during emergency travel or extended periods of driving. You may find our Oil Change Guide helpful in preparing for possible severe weather. Keep Your Fuel Tank at Least Half Full One of the simplest hurricane preparedness tips is keeping extra fuel available. Though simple, this tip does require a bit of extra planning. Daily driving habits and routines can be altered as storms approach due to: gas stations experiencing long lines fuel deliveries being delayed power outages preventing pump operation Keeping your tank at least half full provides added flexibility if evacuation becomes necessary. It also adds flexibility if roads become impassable and your trips to fuel stations, work, or supplies become longer than normal. Prepare for Possible Evacuation Orders While not every storm results in an evacuation order, drivers should have a plan in place before hurricane season reaches its peak. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in your area, keep important documents accessible, and ensure your vehicle is capable of making longer trips if necessary. North Carolina evacuation routes are often marked along major highways and roads to help residents move away from affected areas safely. Waiting until a storm is approaching can make preparation much more difficult due to increased traffic and supply shortages. This is an even bigger factor if you live closer to the coast, near river basins, or flood-prone areas. These areas are more likely to receive evacuation orders or require evacuation due to higher flood risks. Assemble an Emergency Vehicle Kit Every North Carolina driver should keep a basic emergency kit in their vehicle. A few simple items can help make waits for roadside assistance, evacuation traffic, and road closure detours safer and more comfortable for vehicle passengers. A few items we recommend for a hurricane car checklist are: Safety Supplies flashlight extra batteries reflective triangles first-aid kit Communication Tools portable phone charger charging cables battery bank Emergency Necessities bottled water non-perishable snacks rain poncho blanket basic tool kit These supplies can be especially helpful during extended power outages, or if you end up stuck due to a road closure or evacuation traffic. They are also beneficial should you need to exit your vehicle to secure cargo or change a tire. Avoid Flooded Roads One of the most important hurricane safety reminders we can offer is: Never drive through floodwater. Just six inches of moving water can affect vehicle control, while deeper water can stall engines or sweep vehicles away. Beyond what the water itself can do, floodwater can also hide other threats such as: washed-out pavement debris sinkholes downed utility lines When it comes down to driving during or after hurricane conditions the safest rule is simple: Turn around, don't drown. Protect Your Vehicle from Flood Damage If severe flooding is expected in your area there are a few additional steps you may want to take: moving your vehicle to high ground avoiding low-lying parking areas parking away from large trees when possible considering covered parking if available Flood damage can affect more than just the roads we drive on, it can affect our vehicles as well. Flood damage could cause issues with your vehicle's: electrical system engine transmission interior components Many flood-related repairs can be extensive and expensive. Even if a flood-damaged vehicle appears to operate normally afterward, hidden electrical and mechanical damage can create long-term reliability and safety concerns. Flood-damaged vehicles can also present health risks if interiors become wet and are not properly dried. Moisture trapped inside a vehicle can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Review Your Insurance Coverage Before storm season intensifies, review your auto insurance policy. Many drivers discover coverage gaps only after the damage has already occurred. It could be beneficial to check and verify whether your insurance policy includes: comprehensive coverage flood-related vehicle damage wind damage falling object damage Understanding your coverage beforehand can reduce stress after a storm. Another important note to consider is that many insurance companies will not allow you to make changes to your policy during a declared state of emergency. So it's best to check and make adjustments to your coverages before a storm ever makes landfall. Schedule a Pre-Hurricane Season Vehicle Inspection Preparing your vehicle before hurricane season arrives can help reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns when severe weather strikes. A professional inspection can help identify potential issues with: battery performance tire condition brakes fluid levels wiper blades overall vehicle readiness If you're preparing for hurricane season in Goldsboro or anywhere in Eastern North Carolina, the service team at Doug Henry Buick GMC can help make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever the season brings. From battery testing and tire inspections to fluid checks and multi-point inspections, our team can help identify potential issues before severe weather arrives. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment or stop by with any questions about recommended maintenance for your vehicle.

Military service members and their families often live on or near the base they are currently stationed at. However, one routine part of military service life is a PCS move. PCS moves can be stressful as you prepare to pack your belongings and move near a new duty station. Adjusting to a new area can also add stress during a PCS move, especially when local driving conditions differ from your previous duty station. Families stationed at Seymour Johnson often deal with highway travel, hurricanes, commuting and family transportation needs. This PCS checklist can help military families prepare their vehicles and transportation plans before arriving in Eastern North Carolina. Prepare Your Vehicle Before the Move Packing and logistics are often at the forefront of drivers' minds when they receive PCS orders. However, many practical vehicle items often can get overlooked. Regular maintenance like an oil change, tire inspection, or brake inspection is often the furthest thing from a driver's mind when they receive orders. A few items to make sure to check before you make the move that will help you deal with the long highway drives and possibly the summer heat in NC are: oil change tire inspection brake inspection battery test fluid check wiper blades AC performance The best way to ensure a safe trip is to prepare your vehicle before the journey. Making sure your regular maintenance is up to date and checking those few other things before you depart can make a world of difference. Update Registration, Insurance, and Driver Information Before making your move, you may want to investigate updating your vehicle registration as well as filing for an address change with the post office, and your insurance companies. While some services may require you to appear in person, many North Carolina DMV services can be handled online through the official DMV website. Completing anything that you can online prior to your move can aid in the time it takes you to get established here in North Carolina as some DMV tasks require an appointment if done in person. Another important factor in your PCS move is keeping all of your paperwork organized during travel. While many documents can be accessed online it is common for physical copies or even original copies to be required when setting up address changes, insurance, and registrations. Plan for Eastern North Carolina Weather Eastern North Carolina residents often say "if you don't like the weather, just wait 24 hours". With this being said it is important to be as prepared as you can be for the Eastern North Carolina weather. Depending on the season, you may face the summer heat which is often not just hot but very humid. During spring and hurricane season, you may experience heavy rain and flooding, especially in coastal areas and areas near local river basins. Winter, while often not overly cold, can still bring in the occasional icy front. While you cannot be prepared for every possible weather event, there are a few things that you can keep with you when you travel should you find yourself on the road, waiting on roadside assistance. Preparing ahead of time can help reduce stress and make your PCS move smoother from the start. A few items you can keep in your vehicle to help with this are: emergency kits flashlight portable battery pack tire inflator kit bottled water snacks (if kids are traveling with you) Another useful item to keep in your vehicle is a rain poncho should you need to change a flat tire on the side of the road. Choosing the Right Vehicle for Military Family Life Many military families shopping for used SUVs, used cars, or used trucks in Eastern North Carolina prioritize reliability, cargo space, and long-distance comfort. If your daily commute involves traveling to Seymour Johnson AFB, fuel economy and highway comfort may become a bigger priority. The right vehicle for your family is going to vary based on your family's needs. If your new home involves a commute to Seymour Johnson AFB, or you are a larger family, an SUV may be the best vehicle for your needs. SUVs often provide strong fuel economy for long-distance travel compared to both full and mid-size trucks. SUVs also provide more cargo space and greater passenger comfort capability over trucks and sedans. While SUVs typically handle cargo better than sedans when it comes to travel and PCS moves, if your needs once you arrive rely heavily on daily commuting a sedan may provide you the best option for lower cost of ownership. Trucks provide powerful towing capabilities giving you access to trailers for your move or campers and other outdoor gear if your family has more of an outdoor lifestyle. Modern trucks do offer additional engine options that are more fuel efficient than truck engines of the past and help to narrow the gap between the MPG of SUVs and trucks. Tips for Long-Distance PCS Driving Before you depart from your current station, plan your trip. Work in fuel and rest area stops into your drive so that everyone can remain as comfortable as possible during the drive. When loading your cargo make sure to distribute the weight as evenly as possible and do not overload your cargo area. Too much weight, or items stacked too high can cause issues with your ability to safely stop your vehicle and can decrease your visibility of surrounding traffic conditions. Inspect your tires before you travel, make sure your tire pressures are where they need to be and be sure to store your important documents and roadside emergency kit inside your vehicle in an area that is easily accessible should you need either during your journey. If your PCS move involves kids or pets, be sure to plan for them accordingly. Have water, drinks, and snacks available should you get stuck in heavy traffic, bad weather, or waiting on roadside assistance. Small adjustments like this can make a huge difference should you be met with the unexpected. Getting Settled in Goldsboro and Eastern NC While the PCS move itself may be stressful, many military families begin to appreciate the area once they arrive and settle in. While there are a lot of rural roads there are a lot of highways as well. Many daily commutes involve a mix of these rural roads and highways. The connection between rural roads and larger highways helps make travel around Eastern North Carolina more convenient, especially when daily commutes do not require constant stops through town traffic. These highways also lead you out to some great weekend trips. In only a couple of hours you can reach Raleigh, New Bern, Wilmington, and the beautiful Outer Banks from right here in Goldsboro. If you are new here to Wayne County, or will be arriving soon, you may enjoy reading our guide to the Best Weekend Trips from Goldsboro, NC! Should You Buy a Vehicle Before or After Your PCS? Whether you should buy before or after your PCS is really going to depend on your current situation. The best way to determine which will work best for you is to compare and consider each of the options. Buy Before PCS if: your current vehicle is unreliable you want a predictable move you want financing already established Buy After PCS if: you are unsure of local needs you want to test commutes first you need to evaluate parking and storage Making Your PCS Move to Eastern North Carolina Easier Our team is proud to work with military families stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB and throughout Eastern North Carolina. Whether you need to schedule service, explore our inventory online, or prepare your vehicle for an upcoming PCS move, our team is ready to help answer your questions.