Car Preparation For The Road

[DuaneM]

Just curious as to what others do to their vehicles before a long trip. I'm a mechanic so I do it all myself. While maintenance is always kept up, I will change oil if its close to being due. Check all fluids, and I check and make sure tires are up and they are not old and becoming dry rotted. A dry rotting or underinflated tire is asking for a blowout when traveling especially on hot pavement. Also make sure the spare has plenty of air and I have what I need to change a tire on the road. Even though the truck will become a mess inside and out during the trip I still clean it really good inside and out. I will be taking my new truck down to Florida this year so if anything happens I will be using road side assistance. In years past I have taking older vehicles and taken enough tools to practically change the engine on the side of the road,lol. Just to think when I was younger I would travel back and forth to Tenessee and Maryland without even a spare! I'm sure there are still others who don't give their vehicle consideration before hitting the road on a long trip.

[bossmann]

This easily falls into the "Z" category of important "A to Z's" before the big ride, but i am one of those guys who loves the Rain-X wipes for the windshield & windows. With the way the southern downpours can happen without any hint, it is a great pre-trip treatment, especially when you see the rain just bead off your windshield without even having your wipers on. although if i can also give a word to the wise, i was so impressed with the Rain-X treatment that i also stepped up and installed the Rain-X windshield wipers, eh, not so good, you get a VERY short amount of time (only a couple of months MAYBE) of use before the blades fracture apart, so save your cash and dont buy their wipers.

[DuaneM]

I always keep the rain x washer fluid in the reservoir year round and that works good for letting the water bead up and roll off. I always buy the cheapest wipers I can find. Never seen a big difference between brands. Only the cost.

[Webmaster]

Just to think when I was younger I would travel back and forth to Tenessee and Maryland without even a spare! I'm sure there are still others who don't give their vehicle consideration before hitting the road on a long trip.

When you're young you're bulletproof. We would head south to Florida from New Hampshire (driving non-stop) in a beat up Dodge Dart with bald tires and a muffler held in place with clothes hanger wire... but we didn't care... we were on vacation!

[DuaneM]

The sad part is alot of times an older vehicle is more reliable than a brand new car. Take for example my 2011 Chevy diesel. If it has a fault in a sensor or anywhere else in the computer system it can put the truck in a limp mode limiting the power and max speed. Even if the fault won't hurt it. Or cause the truck to not run right at all. When I had my 84 Suburban I would pass new trucks on the side of the road with the hood up.

[ccradio]

When you're young you're bulletproof. We would head south to Florida from New Hampshire (driving non-stop) in a beat up Dodge Dart with bald tires and a muffler held in place with clothes hanger wire... but we didn't care... we were on vacation!

I think I had the same car. Mine was a '69 Swinger in Forest Green, with the bladder on the floor that you stepped on to squirt out the windshield washer fluid, and the vent door in the footwells that allowed air in, and a view out.

[bostonboy]

I inspect - first of all, the tires. I ensure good rotation, check for bald spots and unusual wear. Immediately before I leave I check the tire pressure on all four tires -- PLUS THE SPARE. Also, I make sure I know where the jack, wrenches, etc. are.

Second - oil level.

Third = windshield washer levels. And I make sure that it's full - and also that I have a full bottle of fluid in the trunk. Absolutely mandatory, because if you're caught in a slushy area, you may go through your reservoir and may not be able to get another bottle.

Fourth = transmission fluid level.

Fifth = wiper blades. Make sure they won't disintegrate... it can mess up your trip if one of them goes at night.

Sixth = the nut that holds the steering wheel. (translation = you, the driver). Must be well rested, with a full stomach, empty bowels, caffeinated, and in a bright and spiffy mood.

What is more important = supplies for the trip. I carry -

- window scraper and brush (winter)
- roll of paper towels
- can of window cleaner (Windex, etc.) - and I prefer the aerosol type. Doesn't drip or freeze on you.
- cell phone *and its charger
- flashlight
- GPS
- road atlas, or maps
- if your car isn't equipped with a compass, get one
- list of all-news high powered AM radio stations along the way
- small camera, in event of accident or something interesting
- coffee, chewing gum, candy, fruit, sandwiches, soda, bottled water
- sunglasses
- hat w/ brim
- tire gauge
- bug and tar remover
- rags
- favorite music (CDs, SD cards)
- umbrella
- blanket & pillow
- safety flares
- litter bag

The reason for the radio station list - they tend to give frequent traffic and weather reports. You might not want to listen to them all the time, but they come in mighty handy when you're approaching a major metro area. And when you see those "Traveler radio information stations" signs on the highway - 1640, 530 AM, etc. always tune into them. There may be an emergency situation that you can avoid.

Compass? If you have to counter your GPS, owing to traffic, you may have to navigate using a compass.

And if you don't have E-Z Pass -- carry gold dollar coins, quarters, nickels and dimes for tolls. Dollar coins are also handy on drive-through fast food purchases. I keep a cupful of coins, including dollar coins.. I don't have to reach into my pocket for bills.