| A big road trip is looming in the future. Can you be | | | | mileage. If the air filter has been in the car for 10,000 |
| sure that your car is ready? Before you head out on | | | | or more miles, go ahead and change it, even if you |
| the open road, there are some important safety | | | | do not think it looks dirty. |
| checks you need to make. After all, nothing would | | | | Now you need to clean out the interior of your car. |
| ruin a vacation faster than serious car trouble on | | | | You need room for your luggage, and anything that |
| your way to your destination! | | | | you do not need simply adds weight to the vehicle, |
| On Month Before Leaving | | | | which cuts down on your gas mileage. Some things |
| Preparing for a car trip starts long before you are | | | | you should not remove, however, are your first aid |
| ready to go. About a month before you are ready to | | | | kit and emergency supply stash. Make sure these are |
| leave, there are some steps you need to take. First, | | | | well stocked. However, if you are not going to be in |
| you need to complete any major repairs that are | | | | cold weather, you can remove the winter emergency |
| needed on the vehicle. Often repairs lead to the | | | | kit from the car, if you have one. Don't get the car |
| discovery of more problems, and you want to be | | | | washed or vacuum the interior yet, however, |
| sure that your car is in the best shape possible | | | | because you still have a week to get it dirty again. |
| before you take a long trip. | | | | If you do not have an atlas, buy a good one. If you |
| If you are traveling in the summer or headed | | | | do have one and it is old, replace it. GPS systems and |
| somewhere that is significantly warmer than your | | | | map printouts are great, but an atlas is one tool that |
| home, have your coolant checked. If you are | | | | you can rely on even if the electronics stop working. |
| traveling where it will be below freezing, make sure | | | | Also, you may be forced to take a detour, either |
| the coolant has the proper amount of antifreeze in it. | | | | due to construction or because you want to see |
| Change the coolant if it needs to be changed. | | | | some sights, and your printed maps or GPS may not |
| This is also the time to check your tires. Do a tread | | | | help in this situation, as they are going to show you |
| check by placing a penny in the car's tread, with | | | | the shortest possible route to your destination. |
| President Lincoln's head pointed down and facing you. | | | | The Day Before Departure |
| If you can see the entire head, the tread is too worn | | | | The day before you are scheduled to leave, you |
| and you need to replace your tires. While this might | | | | need to check the tire tread and the tire pressure |
| seem like a very big expense, worn tires can burst | | | | again. Tires are not something to leave to chance, so |
| while driving, which can be a very dangerous situation. | | | | make sure they are in good shape before you leave! |
| Also, make sure your spare is inflated and that you | | | | Check the owner's manual to see if your vehicle has |
| have the necessary tools to change a tire if needed, | | | | separate tire pressure recommendations for heavy |
| such as a jack and a wrench. | | | | loads or high speeds, both of which probably apply to |
| This is also a good time to spring for a brake | | | | you as you prepare for your trip. If you need to |
| inspection. Brakes that fail can cause serious | | | | make an adjustment, do so when you fill up, which is |
| accidents, and often something as simple as replacing | | | | another thing you can do the night before you leave. |
| the brake pads can keep your family much safer. It | | | | Then you have one less thing to do on your way out |
| is better to know now that something is wrong with | | | | of town the next day. |
| your brakes, rather than finding out as you are | | | | Packing up to Leave |
| driving. | | | | On the day of departure, think carefully about where |
| Finally, check the glove box for the car's owner's | | | | you pack your items in your vehicle. The heavier |
| manual, insurance card, and registration. If any of | | | | items should be placed as far forward as possible. |
| these items are missing, request them. You can order | | | | Also, try to keep the load level. Make sure that you |
| a manual from the car's manufacturer, or you may | | | | do not overload your vehicle. Remember, every |
| be able to download it online. If your insurance or | | | | vehicle has limits. These tips will help to increase your |
| registration is going to expire while you are on your | | | | fuel economy as you drive. It will also keep your |
| trip, renew it before you leave. | | | | family safer if you should run into inclement weather |
| The Week You Leave | | | | along the way. A car that is packed unevenly is more |
| When you are getting closer to the time of your | | | | prone to spinning off of the road and does not get |
| departure, head to the mechanic to have an oil | | | | good gas mileage. |
| change done along with any other routine | | | | With these tips, your family will be as safe as |
| maintenance that is due on the vehicle. You may | | | | possible on your next road trip. Remember, you |
| wish to schedule a full tune up. You want your car to | | | | cannot plan for the unexpected, but you can be as |
| be running as efficiently as possible before you head | | | | prepared as possible for whatever comes your way. |
| onto the open road. Check the pressure in the tires | | | | Preparing your car is not just a good idea, but it is |
| and double check the tread. Make sure the air filter is | | | | also essential to enjoying your vacation free from |
| clean, because a dirty air filter will reduce your gas | | | | worry and hassle. |