Road trip vehicle preparation!

Getting ready for a road trip this summer? Is your car in tip top shape? Take a gander at this checklist to ensure a safe, fun drive!

Nothing will ruin a road trip quicker than car troubles. It could cut your trip short or deplete your funds. Make sure all of this is double checked and ready to go before cruising off this summer!

After you have decided where to go, start checking into your car!

• Start with checking the fluids: Engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant & windshield wiper fluid-Pack extra in the trunk too.
  
• Get an oil change
  
• Wiper blades: Make sure they are firmly on the car and working properly
  
• Check the battery for a good charge and cleanliness

Check out how to check fluids and the battery here!

•  Then look at your tires and make sure your tires are free of large debris, holes or rips and have plenty of tread left. "(The easiest way to measure this, if you don't have a gauge, is to hold a quarter upside down in the tread. If the top of George Washington’ head is visible.)"
• Next is the check the tire pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge and add air if needed.
  
• Check the breaks, usually a person can tell if the breaks are getting bad. However, if you aren't able to check yourself or don't know how...a lot of repair shops or part stores will be able to help you out and check them for you.
  
   
• Look at the hoses and belts. Check for hardness, bulging, blistering and cracks in hoses. If any of these are present in hoses, it might be time to change them out before the road trip. With belts, check for cracking, tearing, fibers coming out-if any of these are present, replace them.
  
  If you don't know where the hoses and belts are, you can take it to a repair shop or parts store as well for some assistance. And remember, it's never a good time if a belt breaks...it will probably ruin the trip.
  
• Lastly, have someone help you to see if all head/tail lamps and turn signals are working.

When packing your car up, it might be a good idea to add/check these:

 

• Bring an emergency kit...Here's a link to what is necessary in an emergency kit! (Add a cell phone/GPS charger too!)
  
• Make sure all windows and mirrors are still visible to ensure safe driving.
  
• Set up a GPS on a handheld device or cellphone with directions beforehand. Try to jot some notes down, with alternate routes, in case the signal is lost or you no longer have access to it. Use along with a map too!
  
• Pack the car with snacks and water. You never know what kind of area you may end up in. Stores could be closed, dangerous or you could be stranded. Bring along some entertainment for the passengers, especially the kids. These things are great for traffic too!
  
  
  

While driving:

• Stay awake!!!
   
•  Fuel up often, unfamiliar territory means you might not know where gas stations are or have a long time in between them.
  
• Obey the road rules, new places could have stricter roadway laws.

Then take the car for a quick test run to see if you notice any noises or shaking and gauge issues. Fix any of these issues before leaving!