How to Care for your Car and Prepare It for travel

Preparing your car for taking a long road trip, for vacations or general travel, can require extra car care. But if the vehicle owner prepares and plans accordingly, the trip can be a smooth success. Long distance driving is in actuality safer and easier on your car than short trips around town. However, having a break-down far from home can be stressful, expensive and an unnecessary hassle. So, what can you do to avoid a possible long distance break-down? Here are a few tips to help guide you to an enjoyable road trip and save your hard earned money if spent on unnecessary car repairs later, car towing, hotel rooms, etc.

Take your car to a professional auto mechanic as early as possible, preferably two weeks before your trip. Have the mechanic check for any necessary car repairs and if they can, then have the repairs done immediately.

At the same time, have the mechanic perform a complete tune up on your car. Replace oil filters and change oil, replace the air filter, check the timing, check all fluids, fill or replace as needed, check the tires condition and pressure, etc. Also check the spare tire or if you don’t have one then you need one. Preferably not a ‘donut’ spare, due to their unreliability. Make sure the tires are aligned properly, as well, for a smooth and comfortable ride.

Check that you have all necessary paperwork for your car; including auto –insurance cards and documents, registration papers(place in your wallet or purse in case of auto theft), and have the vehicles owners manual for extra support.

Clean your car out and pack it well with only the essentials, pack as lightly as possible and be sure to organize your packed car in a way that suitcases and other items won’t shift during driving causing any damage or injuries.  Vacuum your car out, wash it, inside and out to make the endless hours inside be much more comfortable. Consider using a special bag for trash, one that can hold liquids and solids without leaking, and that seals to contain offensive odors. Also consider purchasing a road atlas.

Fill your gas tank the night or morning before you leave as fuel prices while on the road can vary and become quite expensive. And after you have followed the recommended car care, you are ready to travel now. So, relax, feel confident and have a good trip.