Tips For a Safe Trip

[DavidB]

by David W. Bynon

Before you head out on the highways for the holidays or your next vacation, make sure your car is ready for a safe trip. Here are some quick tips to help you:

<strong>Inspect Your Vehicle</strong>
Unless you're very knowledgeable when it comes to auto repair and maintenance, it is best to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle before a long trip. However, there are a few inspections almost anyone can make:

* Check hoses (to and from the radiator and the heater). If they are cracked, look dry-rotted, worn, or are bulging, replace them.
*Check your battery. Clean off any buildup of electrolyte with a mixture of baking soda and water.
*Check your tires for wear or damage.
*Check fluid levels (oil, transmission, coolant, window washer, etc.)
* Look under the car to see if there are any fluids leaking.
* Make sure your spare tire is well inflated and the jack is in place.

Obviously, if your car is not running properly in any way, have it repaired before your trip.

<strong>Pack Or Buy An Emergency Kit</strong>
In a roadside emergency, the following items may be useful for you:

* Basic tool kit
* Car owner's manual
* Warm blanket for each passenger
* Flares
* Spare fuses
* Bottled water
* Snack food
* Can of Tire Sealant for small leaks
* Fire extinguisher
* Empty gas can (1 gallon)
* Can of motor oil
* Portable AM/FM radio with spare batteries
* Emergency phone numbers of family and friends
* $20 bill in ash tray or glove box
* Flash light with spare batteries
* First-aid kit
* Jumper cables
* Tire pressure gauge
* Hand wipes or baby wipes
* Window scraper
* Cellular phone
* Duct tape

<strong>Pack Your Car With Care</strong>
Cargo that's improperly stowed in a sedan, station wagon or SUV can be a projectile hazard in an accident or hard braking situation. Avoid packing luggage above the back seat. If your SUV or station wagon has tie down or other cargo hold features, use them. You should also avoid placing objects on the dashboard or rear deck of your vehicle, which would go flying in an accident.

<strong>Watch Your Instruments</strong>
Your car is designed to tell you its vital signs at a glance. Stay aware of your fuel level. Check you oil after every couple of fill-ups. Make sure you have plenty of windshield wash fluid. When driving, always be aware of how far it is to the next gas station. When you travel in an unfamiliar area, it's a good idea not to run your car below a quarter of a tank of gas.

Also watch the engine temperature, oil pressure, and other gauges/warning lights that can signal a problem with your vehicle.

<strong>Anticipate Problems</strong>
Drive with caution on unfamiliar roads. At night, when your visibility is limited, pay attention to all road signs that warn you of curves, one-lane bridges, railroad crossings, etc. Take maps that cover your route and plan alternate routes in the event a road becomes closed. Don't rush. Give yourself plenty of time to make the trip.