Many people have concerns about taking their cars on long trips,
especially if their cars are getting on in years or mileage. Truth is,
long trips are actually easier
on your car than day-to-day driving -- but a breakdown far from
home can really ruin your fun. A few simple checks will stave off many
common problems. As with most things, it's best to start early.
Two to four weeks before you go
Get any major repairs done.
If your car needs major repair or maintenance, do it at least one
month before you go. That will allow plenty of time for any problems
related to the repair to pop up.
Check the coolant. If your destination is a lot
warmer or cooler than home, check (or have your mechanic check) the
coolant's mixture of antifreeze and water to make sure the car is
properly protected. If the coolant needs to be changed, do it (or have
it done) now.
Check the tires. Make sure your tires are
inflated to the proper pressure. Low pressure can cause extra heat
buildup that can lead to a blowout at high speeds. Follow the
instructions for checking tire pressure in your owner's manual. While
you're down there, check the tire tread and if the tire is worn out for replacement.
Check the spare tire. Make sure the spare is
fully inflated and that the jack, wrench, and other tire-changing bits
are in the trunk. If your car has wheel locks, make sure you have the
adapter for the lock-nut.
One week before you go
Get any scheduled maintenance done.
If you think your car is going to come due for an oil change or other maintenance during your trip, get it done now.
Check the tires again. The tire pressures should be about the same as they were last time you checked them.
Clean out your car. The more stuff you haul, the
more fuel you burn. Clean mercilessly.
Check the air filter. A clogged air filter
reduces fuel economy. They're inexpensive and easy to change. If your
current air filter has been in the car for more than 10,000 miles, it's
time to clean it or change it.
Buy a road atlas. If you don't have a current
road atlas, get one. Hours and hours of expressway can get boring.
Getting off the beaten path can add an entirely new dimension to your
trip.
One day before you go
Wash and vacuum your car.
Before you pack, give your car a good scrubbing and vacuuming.
Clean cars always seem to run better. Besides, who wants to travel in a
dirty car?
Check and change the tire pressures. Yep -- tire
pressures again! Many cars have two recommended ratings, one for light
loads and one for heavy loads and/or high speeds. If you're taking the
whole family, visit your local gas station and inflate the tires to the
higher setting. You will find this information in the owners manual or
on a sticker in the door jamb or fuel filler flap. Remember: Set the
pressures when the tires are cold.
Fill the gas tank. Might as well get it out of the way now. Besides, gas is often more expensive on the road.
The day of your trip
Look at what you've packed.
Open your suitcases and take one last look -- do you really need all
that stuff? If there's anything you can do without, then do without.
Load evenly and carefully. If you're carrying
lots of heavy objects, position them forward in the trunk and distribute
the weight evenly side to side. Cars don't have unlimited carrying
capacity, so don't overload.
Relax! Unexpected things can happen, but if
you've followed these guidelines, you've headed off a lot of potential
problems. Relax and enjoy your trip!