Getting your car road-trip ready

[Fintastic]

What are some tips on getting your car ready for a long trip? Changing the oil, airing up the tires, etc? Anything I should do?

 

[cbrfan]

Check antifreeze, brake fluid, washer fluid, and transmission fluid. If you're having someone else do the oil change they probably take of that. Ask to be sure. Check your wiper blades, belts and tires for excess wear. Check wheel alignment. Have your brakes inspected. Check to make sure all of your lights are working. Be sure you have all your insurance information and emergency numbers. If it applies to you, check the kids' carseats for worn straps and proper installation and fit.

 

[Fintastic]

Check antifreeze, brake fluid, washer fluid, and transmission fluid. If you're having someone else do the oil change they probably take of that. Ask to be sure. Check your wiper blades, belts and tires for excess wear. Check wheel alignment. Have your brakes inspected. Check to make sure all of your lights are working. Be sure you have all your insurance information and emergency numbers. If it applies to you, check the kids' carseats for worn straps and proper installation and fit.

Great!! Thanks!!

 

[cbrfan]

One more thing.....be sure to remove any unnecessary items from the passenger compartment of your car. In an accident any loose items become missiles. A friend of mine had her 13 month-old daughter hit in the head by a flying waterbottle when they got into a wreck. Nothing more serious than a big goose-egg, but they weren't going very fast.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Examine all hoses . . . radiator, vacumn etc.
Change air filter

 

[buzz5985]

Where I maintain my car - they have a Trip Inspection they do. Cost's 19.99. Or a lot of times it is free with an oil change - check out where you have your car maintained.

Also I bought reflective triangles at Walmart - in case we broke down on the highway - instead of flares. And this may be overkill - but I carry a bottle of Windex and paper towels in the trunk. Sometimes the dead bugs on the windshield get pretty thick. Oh and check your spare tire. Janis