Preparing Your Car for a Road Trip

Preparing your car for a road trip is relatively simple, and can be done in just a few simple steps; providing you do regular maintenance on your car. If you do not, it is still relatively simple, it just takes a little more time.

Following these easy steps will have your car road - ready in no time, and you will have the peace of mind knowing that your car is in the best possible shape for the trip ahead. Plus, you save money, doing the job yourself: a lot of money.

1. Check the Fluids

You will need to check the power - steering fluid, engine coolant, oil, transmission and brake fluid, as well as window - washing fluid if your car is so equipped, to make sure they are at their proper levels. If you are unsure where these places are located, you can check the Owner's Manuel that came with your car. They are usually kept in the glove box.

2. Have Road-Side Safety Equipment

No body likes to think of having problems on the road, i.e. a flat tire, but it is a wise idea to plan ahead; you know, just in case. Most cars have either reflective devices or flares in the trunk. At Walmart, in the camping section, they have small battery - operated lanterns that has a flashing red light. These are perfect for warning other drivers on the road of problems ahead, and they can be seen at further distances than reflective devices. They are quite small, and don't take up much room.

3. Check the Air in Tires

Depending on the make and model of your car; it was designed to have a certain amount of psi (pounds per square inch) of air in the tires. If you are unsure what psi your tires need, check your Owner's Manuel. If your Owner's Manual is no longer available, take the car in to the store where you bought the tires. Some places, if not busy will check the tires for you. We buy our tires from Les Schwab. They will check the tires for us, at no cost.

4. Check spark plugs and wires

You will want to make sure that they are clean, an no debris. This will ensure that they fire properly.

5. Check the Lights

This includes headlights, taillights, blinkers and brake light. It is a lot easier if you have a second person spotting for you, but if not you can do this by yourself, and pulling the car into an enclosed area. By doing it this way, you can see the lights reflection on the walls in front, and back of you.

6. Check Air Filter

Again if you don't know where it is, check your manual. This ensures proper air flow. If it looks too dirty, just replace with a new one. They don't cost very much.

7. Check Battery

Make sure it is securely mounted, and the top clean and dry. You will want to make sure that the terminals and connections are clean and tight, with no debris between the terminals and connectors. If you take the connectors off the terminals to clean, remember to remove the negative (black) first, and replace last.

8. Check Fuses

Make sure that all fuses are in good working order. I like to keep a spare set with me in the car at all times. I would hate to end up with no lights, or something else not working.

9. Check belts, caps and hoses

Make sure that the belts and caps have a nice snug fit, and there are no weak areas, or cracks or leaks in the hoses.

10. Keep All Documentation with You

I'm not talking about proof of insurance and registration. I mean when you have maintenance done on the car, such as oil changes and what not. Also keep this maintenance list with you as well. If, while on your road trip, you should need to take your car to a mechanic, he/she can see what all was done, and when. It will make things much easier, and help them to rule things out. It will save a lot of time, which in turn; will save you money.

Just as a bonus; when you stop for gas or a nature break at a rest area, that would be an excellent time to check fluids, and give the car and tires a quick once - over. It helps you to have peace of mind for the long road trip ahead. And make sure to keep a few tools with you; such as sockets and screwdrivers. You never know when you might have to tighten, or loosen something.