| Traveling by car is a great way to spend time | | | | have a spare and it is in good condition. You |
| with family and see the country. When taking a | | | | should have a tire jack, wrench, and other |
| road trip, you need to make sure your car is in | | | | tire-changing equipment. |
| good working condition. To reduce any car | | | | 6. You should keep the following in your glove |
| problems during the trip, there are a number of | | | | box: owner's manual, insurance, road maps, list of |
| measures drivers can take before they start their | | | | emergency and contact numbers, tire gauge, |
| road trip. | | | | matches, flashlight, pen and paper, and your car |
| 1. Take your car to the mechanic for a check up. | | | | registration. |
| A qualified mechanic will be able to note any | | | | 7. Check your battery to see how old it is. If it is |
| serious problems and make any necessary | | | | old, you should get a new battery. As well, check |
| repairs. You should this at least 2 weeks before | | | | the charge points to make sure they are clean |
| your trip. Make sure your brakes are inspected. | | | | and not corroded. |
| 2. Check your fluid levels such as the engine oil, | | | | 8. Clear the car out of any unnecessary items |
| coolant, brake fluid...etc. The fluid levels should be | | | | and garbage. Vacuum and clean the interior of the |
| full and the fluids themselves should be clean. If | | | | car. As well, wash and wax the exterior of the |
| your motor oil is very dark, you should get your | | | | car. |
| oil changed. You should also run your car while it is | | | | 9. You should check your air filter to make sure |
| parked, turn it off, and then look underneath to | | | | there are not any clogs. You can either clean it or |
| see if there are any fluid leaks. Bring the | | | | get a new filter. |
| appropriate bottles of fluid with you for | | | | 10. Consider purchasing a membership in an auto |
| emergencies on the road. | | | | club. You will have access to a tow service and |
| 3. Check your car registration and safety | | | | many other emergency assistance services. |
| inspection to see if they are about to expire. You | | | | 11. The day before you leave, make sure you |
| do not want to get stopped the police and get a | | | | have a full tank of gas. |
| fine for expired plates and inspection. | | | | 12. When you pack your vehicle, make sure you |
| 4. It is important that your tires are completely | | | | have distributed weight evenly through the car. |
| inflated. Add air at least a week before the tip | | | | Heavy things should be placed forward in the |
| and monitor for any loss of air. If there is loss of | | | | trunk. |
| air, signs of worn tire treads, you should get new | | | | 13. Keep your fully charged cell phone with you at |
| tires. Make sure you check your tires again the | | | | all times. |
| day before your trip. | | | | Road trips are a fun way to see the country. |
| 5. For any road trip, whether short or long, it is | | | | Make sure your trip is safe and relaxing by |
| essential to have a spare tire. Make sure you | | | | preparing your car for the trip. |