No matter how long your road trip is going to be, it is always a good idea to make sure it is in good condition. You wouldn’t want it breaking down on the side of the road. And you definitely don’t want it having mechanical problems while you are cruising down the interstate at 75 mph.

Checking the oil is not that difficult once you locate the dipstick in your particular model. If you aren’t sure which one is for the oil then check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic to show you. During long road trips you should check your oil periodically (when you fill up) to be sure that you are maintaining a safe level.

The owner’s manual is also the place to find out about your optimum tire pressure. During extreme weather – when it changes often – you should check your tires about every two weeks. Be sure that they are cold when you check them (before you start on the road). A tire gauge is a valuable tool to keep in your car at all times.

You should also do a quick check of all your lights to make sure they are in good working order. Unless someone makes a point to tell you about a problem (or a ticket of some sort is involved) you probably won’t notice a light that is out. Get a friend to help you make sure your brake lights, front and back blinkers and head lights are all in good working order.

Windshield wipers may seem like a small item, but they become a huge liability if you need them and they don’t work. Make sure that they are doing their job appropriately and change them out if there is a problem.

It may seem silly, but a good cleaning is important before you take a road trip. Dirty windows can obscure you vision and cause a wreck. Take time to clean the windows (on the inside and outside) before you start on the road. It is also a good idea to clean them along the way to remove any bugs or other items that could smear if you use your windshield wipers.

For bigger things, it is a good idea to see a mechanic. You need to have your brakes checked for wear. Your tires need to be balanced and the tread needs to be full. A full check up should not be all that expensive, especially when balanced against your own personal safety. It doesn’t take much time or money to get your car on the road safely once you know what needs to be done.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 at 6:35 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.