PREPARing for a ROAD TRIP

Getting Ready

I recently did a round trip of 3587 miles to the state I grew up in. From Texas to upstate New York. The first thing you want to do is go through your vehicle from top to bottom front to back. Nothing is more frustrating and stressful than having an issue with your vehicle when traveling.

Taking the time to inspect your vehicle is critical to having a less stressful trip and not occurring additional expenses while on your road trip. I am going to break down what I go through before any long or short distance trip.

The Vehicle

Let’s start with the engine. When was the last time your oil has been changed? Most modern vehicles require oil changes every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. I personally change the oil in my vehicle before every long trip and usually after as well. Shorter distance trips that don’t push me over the recommended oil change intervals.

Make sure you have a clean air filter. Clean air filters that allow the proper amount of air into your motor is more important than most think. Your motor needs the right amount of air to fuel ratio for proper function. This also allows for the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If your air filter is old or super dirty just replace them instead of cleaning.

Check your transmission fluid. This requires the motor and transmission to be hot so go for a short drive come back park on a level surface. While in park motor running this is when you check your transmission fluid. Wear gloves this fluid can between 90 degrees to 120 degrees in temperature. We are checking for the color of the fluid. We want to see a reddish pink color. If it is darker or smells burnt, we may want to consider getting the transmission fluid changed or flushed. I follow the general rule and have my transmission fluid flushed at 100,000 miles.

We are going check our tires. Tires can tell us much more about our vehicles than we realize. First uneven wear can not only tell us if our tires are over inflated or under inflated. They can tell us if we have alignment issues. If your tires are wearing in the middle of the tire you have an over inflation issue. If your tires are wearing on both outside edges you may have a under inflated issue. If your have wear on either the inside edge or outside edge you have an alignment issue. check your spare tire and make sure the system that is used to keep it in place is functional.

Alignment issue can be caused by some major components of your front end and suspension. Ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, and struts are some of the most common major front-end components that if they are faulty can cause uneven wear on your tires. The other signs are if your car is pulling to the left or right. You may hear unusual noise when turning left or right.

If you are having any of these issues you will want to have them fixed before you travel. You want to make sure your vehicle is not only safe for your family but everyone else on the road. If any of these items fail on your trip it will be extremely more expensive than it would be to have them fixed before you travel. If these failures don’t cause an accident that totals out your vehicle and what you may be towing. You will occur towing cost, extra mechanical and parts cost because when something fails it usually causes damage to other components. Your vacation can be cut short, or you could loss time at work because you are stranded while your vehicle is in a shop. You could occur lodging expenses as well.

If you are not experienced or confident enough to check these things yourself. Please take it to a local mechanic tell them your plans to travel. These experienced professionals will make sure it is safe to do so. I do want to say this disclaimer and that is even if these things are good when you start your trip doesn’t mean they can not go bad or fail while on your trip.

Check List

-engine oil proper level and clean

-transmission fluid clean and at proper level

-air filters clean and functional

-tires have enough tread and are showing even wear

-no unusual noise or pulling left or right in front end or steering

On the Move

Checking these things while you are travel is good practice. Everything can change at any time. So, checking things visually like tires and for fluid leaks at every fuel stop. Check fluid levels after every overnight stop. While driving pay attention to how the vehicle feels. If you sense or feel anything off with your vehicle, have the vehicle checked out.  

Carry basic tools with you or have a roadside service plan in place. If you are the handy type some of the tools, you would need to have on hand. Complete standard and metric socket set in ¼ and 3/8 drive. Complete wrench set both standard and metric. Bottle or roller jack rated for or exceeds the weight of your vehicle. lug nut wrench or four-way multi tool. Breaker bar or belt tensioner tool incase your serpentine belt fails. Carrying spare fuses, bulbs, electrical connections, electrical tape, and electrical tools can be handy for fixing wiring issues or blown fuses and bulbs.

If you’re not the handy type. Roadside services like AAA offer roadside assistance. To assist with brake downs while you are traveling.  Most insurance companies offer similar programs as well as cell phone providers. These paid plans can assist with minor issues like running out of fuel or flat tires. These programs also offer discounted towing plans.

I hope this helps you get ready for your next adventure. Please email me with any questions or comment on the post. Check out our other great articles at www.fowlerscorners.com