Vacation Peparation - have a great roadtrip!

With summer on its way, many families will be taking to the road for the fun-filled road trip often known as the family vacation. Even with the obscene price of gasoline, it’s still cheaper to drive five people than to fly. If you too are considering a driving vacation to another state, here are a few items to consider.
Highway driving subjects your vehicle to different conditions than city driving. Although it’s fairly straight and steady, everything on the vehicle is operating at a higher speed. The most immediate items to consider are your tires. I always have my tires rotated and balanced before vacation. An out of balance tire may not be noticeable around town but will cause an annoying vibration at highway speeds.

Here are a few additional items to consider:
• Tire Condition: Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure – including the Spare? If you bought the vehicle used, make sure that there IS a spare – and a jack, etc.
• Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape? Can you deal with that little shuttering/ squeaking thing they do for hours on end?
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Clean windows help reduce eye strain.
• Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? If you can’t find the transmission fluid dipstick, ask for help – don’t assume it’s full.
• Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? Ask someone to look behind the vehicle or back into your driveway and check for the taillights reflecting off the garage door.
• Weather Forecasts: What is the weather outlook along your route? I usually use www.weather.com or the AAA site.
• Maps/ Navigation: Do you have up-to-date maps and/ or a current OnStar subscription?

Before leaving town it’s probably best to have the vehicle serviced and tell them that you’re planning a long trip. You may want to remind them to check the air in the spare tire, the condition of the battery terminals, and all the lights.
Remember to bring an umbrella, a flashlight with new batteries, your cell phone charger, jumper cables and a can of fix-a-flat – just in case. A mini first-aid kit, bottled water and chewable Tylenol also come in handy.