How to Prepare Your Car for a Cross-Country Trip

Before you set out on a cross-country trek, you need to prepare your car for the journey. Good preparation will minimize the likelihood of trouble on the road and make for a smooth, fun memory.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Extra fluids for your car
• A tire patch kit or aerosol sealer
• An air compressor
• A first-aid kit
• Bottled water
• Blankets
• Extra clothes
• Spare tire and jack
• Road flares
• Cell phone with extra battery or charger
• Food
• A flashlight

1. Take your car in for a tune up at least a week before you plan on leaving for your trip. This will give you time to repair any problems the car might have.

2. When you pack your bags for the trip, pack an extra one to leave in the car. Include warm clothes, even if you are traveling during the summer. Your extra bag should have an extra pair of pants, socks, a shirt, a sweatshirt and a coat. Keep this bag in the car with you, not in the trunk.

3. Buy a travel first-aid kit. Add your health insurance cards. Put the kit in your glove compartment.

4. Make sure your spare tire and jack are in your trunk.

5. Make a road survival kit with road flares, a tire patch kit or aerosol sealer, a small air compressor and a flash light. Put it in your trunk.

6. Buy extra fluids for your car, including oil, windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze and transmission fluid. Keep these in your trunk.

7. Put one blanket in your car for every person who will be traveling.

8. Pack a cooler with bottled water and snacks. Keep this for an emergency situation.

9. Put your cell phone in your car before you leave. Make sure you have either a spare battery or a charger that plugs into your cigarette lighter.

10. Fill your gas tank before you leave.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider getting a credit card for the trip in case your car breaks down. Repairs can be several hundred dollars.
• If you're planning on eating in the car, be sure to bring a roll of paper towels.
• When driving long distances, be aware of how tired you are. Switch drivers or stop as often as you need to.

[GreenGables]

on 9/5/2009 Excellent advice. This eHow article will make a great check list for anyone going on a long trip. 5* and rec