12 hour drive--what should I do to prepare my car for a safe trip?

Question

I'm taking it in for a balance and rotate, anything else I should check?

Answer 1

Brakes and tyres are the main thing. Have your mechanic check out your car, you want a reliable conveyance.   Most important....prepare yourself, have a good sleep before you go, and don't eat too much.   Rest every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes, get out and walk around.  If you feel sleepy, PULL OVER and rest NOW.  If you think your stereo is too loud, you may be getting tired.  A 12 hour trip can be really enjoyable, don't speed or take risks. Be sure to take your phone.  Be safe, and be sure to let us know how you went, OK

No, this is not your Mom or Dad.

Answer 2

Check all your fluids: oil, antifreeze  If you're super worried about it taking a $hitter on you, I'd get a complete tune-up : oil change, new spark plugs, wires, the whole works.  Also make sure the tread is good on tires, air pressure, etc.

Answer 3

check your Tyre pressures, oil, water. window washer reservoirs.

Answer 4

You can do everything you've been told to do and still break down two miles from home. It's a mechanical device and it's gonna break sooner or later. The good news is that if you have maintained the car then just hop in it and take your trip. Would you fuss for a one hour trip? Probably not...so this is just 12 one hour trips in a row. Relax...you'll be alright.

Answer 5

Oil, coolant, screen wash. Wiper blades. Tyre pressures appropriate to load. Tyre treads.Lights. Carry spare bulbs. Make sure warning triangle,  spider and jack accessible. Make sure you know where the jacking points are - handbook in glove box. 1st aid box. Clean inside of windscreen.

Maps and directions.

Fuel!

Answer 6

Everything that was said all ready, but I wondered if you have thought about renting a car, I know for my long trips with my kids I rent one from AVIS they usually have good rates and excellent roadside service in case something would go wrong.

Hope you have a good trip.

Answer 7

All fluid levels, belts, wipers, tire pressures, including your spare. Jack and tools present in car? Maps. Blanket if you are travelling in snowy area and could get stuck.

Answer 8

Pipped at the post....all good advice ....keep in touch with home and/or destination

Answer 9

Besides all of the above items for your vehicle, make sure that YOU are ready...Get a good night's sleep, allow yourself plenty of time to get there, check the map - on paper or the computer to make sure you know where you turn, where you want to stop to eat (do not to eat while driving) or refuel...Check the weather - wear comfortable clothing...Make sure that a family member or close friend knows where you're going, make arrangements to call and let them know that you arrived safely...Have a bottle of water with you plus one for each passenger.

The biggest danger you will be facing is boredom...A trip this long is very tiring and it is easy to be distracted...If you start to feel tired, pull off the road and change drivers or loosen up and stretch or take a little rest.

Above all, make sure that you enjoy the trip - start to finish.

Answer 10

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

Have your vehicle checked out by a independent auto repair shop.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Fill your gas tank before you leave.