Preparing the Car for Long Trips

Long trips can be an exciting journey. But being stranded in the middle of the road is not the excitement you or your family wants to experience. Here are a few tips to prepare your car for the long trip:

Check all lights. Replace dead bulbs and clean dirt off the lights.
Check windshield washer blades. Replace if they streak or are more than one year old.
Check tire pressure and make sure they are at the recommended levels.
Check battery. If your car cranks slowly when you start it, have that battery checked. Replace the battery if it is more than three years old. Clean corrosion off the contacts. Be sure to avoid contact with battery acid, use gloves and eye protection.
Check hoses and belts. Visually inspect for cracks and chips. Have mechanic tighten or replace if necessary.
Top off fluids. Use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water in the engine cooling system. Check your owner's manual or antifreeze container for specifications. Flush the cooling system every two years. It’s also a good idea to have a reserve bottle of coolant and engine oil in the car in case level decrease during your trip.
Keep an eye on the temperature gauge when you are driving and especially if traffic is slowed or not moving. If the temperature gauge is increasing but the light has not turned on, turn off all accessories, such as the air conditioner. Do not continue driving if the temperature light has turn on. Pull off the road to a safe location. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to cool down and do not remove the radiator cap.
If you are traveling in the warm seasons, check the air conditioner by turning it on. If you get cool air quickly, then it is fine.
Plan and map your route and overnight stays. Leave details of your trip with a friend or relative. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Try traveling during daylight and avoid driving at night or when tired.
In the winter, dress warm and wear layered clothing. Bring a winter survival kit.
Replace the small donut spare tire with a full-size tire. The small spare tires cannot be driven more than 50 miles or at freeway speeds.
Get fresh oil and filter change.
Lastly, have your car checked by a professional mechanic. Request that they check all major systems or any concerns you may have.

Source:http://www.superiorcarinsurance.com/Auto/RoadTrip.html