Comments on: How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

on 10/23/2007 Bring along a spare car. Personally, I like to keep a Geo Metro in the back of my Suburban, behind the third row of seats. You hardly know it's there, and you've got peace of mind in case of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere.

on 11/22/2005 If I am traveling with someone in my car, near or far, I lend them a keyring with my car key on it. That way, if I should end up locking my key in the car, the person with me has a set! I also made a copy of my car key for my Mom and my Dad, and if I should lock my key in the car, I can give them and call and maybe they can rescue me instead of the Locksmith or AAA tow truck! I also carry a spare car key (only) and I attach it to the purse I am using. A guy friend of mine made a spare car key, cut out a thin piece of cardboard the size of a business card or credit card, taped the key to the card, and keeps it in his wallet to avoid lock-outs!

on 11/22/2005 Take a radar detector along. It is a great tool to get to places faster. It gives you peace of mind while on the road. It's also a good idea to get one with a compass.

on 11/22/2005 Having a well-tuned engine is one thing...Not being able to see in the rain is another. I can't stress the importance of Rain-X all year, especially if driving long distances. It's insanely cheap (a bottle lasts a long time) and great if you have a sedan without a rear window wiper. I put it on all my windows, including my side view mirrors.

on 11/22/2005 Yes, a new set of tires can be expensive, but the MOST COMMON disaster on a longer road trip is a flat or a complete blow-out. A new set of tires will prevent that, and adds a bigger safety margin when you encounter whatever nature might throw at you along the way, be it snow, rain, ice, or heat. A new set also improves handling and traction, not to mention gas mileage. If you are going across the whole country, new tires are worth it.

on 6/11/2007 Pack an extra fan and alternator belt they will come in handy if one breaks while traveling and there is no atuo parts around, plus some hoses if you have a leak.

on 11/22/2005 If your car is old, make sure you replace the timing belt every 80,000 miles. If it breaks while driving, it could damage the whole engine.

on 11/22/2005 I have seen many many people who
leave on a trip (or locally)
with only one set of keys and
end up in hot water. I always
hide (duct tape) a spare set when I tavel. Near or far.
travel. Plus I carry TWO sets!

on 11/22/2005 To get free breakfast all that you need to do is go to motels for their free continental breakfasts. And then on with your day, and you saved money.

on 6/7/2007 Carry a good pair of high quality jumper cables with you and know how to hook them up between vehicles. You never know when you might need them.

on 11/22/2005 Keeping an eye on the mileage your car gets is a good way to monitor the general health of your engine and transmission. If you start getting fewer miles per gallon chances are there's something not quite right under the hood.

on 11/22/2005 Keep a box of assorted fuses in your glove compartment. They don't take up much room and can prove invaluable if you get stuck in the middle of nowhere.

on 11/22/2005 If your car starts to break down or you have a flat tire try to get to the next exit or a wide shoulder. This keeps you out of traffic and harm's way while changing a tire or tinkering.

on 11/22/2005 When renting a car that you are not familiar with you are at risk to lock the keys inside. Get an extra key made and put it in your wallet. Even if you throw it away when done with it, it is cheap insurance if or when you lock yourself out.

on 11/22/2005 One should always carry a reflective armband or jacket in the back of the car. In case you break down at night, you'll be visible to passing motorists.