Long trip, car safety?

Question

I am taking a long trip with my teenage daughter. I will be having my car saftey checked before I go. What are some things I should have the mechanic check. I know tires, brakes, tune up oil change, should I have the wheel bearings , shocks and struts checked.

Also I know my daughter at 5'6" is tall enough to be riding in the front, but isn't it safer to have her rind in the back seat?

Answer 1

pretty much thats it make sure you have things for a flat and the spare is full and you should be fine.

Answer 2

Does your car have airbags? If so, 5'6" should be tall enough to benefit from this safety device. I would think that the safety of a particular seat, all other things equal, would be very dependent on the type of accident.

In addition to the very important items that you have mentioned, I would have the mechanic check all the fluids, like your coolant and even windshield washer fluid!

If you have taken good care of your car, and have had your scheduled maintenance checks and changes, you should be fine.

Answer 3

Engine Oil Level

Cooling System Hoses

Brake Lines

Brake Operation

Windshield Wiper Blades

Head Lights/Driving Lights

Power Steering Hoses

Exhaust System

Parking Brake Operation

Fan Belts

Mirrors: Side, Rear-view

Snow Chains (if applicable)

Transmission Fluid Level

Brake Lights/Turn Signals

Brake Fluid Level

Tail Lights/Reverse Lights

Power Steering Fluid Level

Tire Wear/Inflation

Tire Balance/Alignment

Spare Tire (condition)

Horn

Anti-freeze Level

Heater and AC functioning

Portable Radio/Spare Batteries

State Inspection Sticker

Bricks or Boards (to prevent vehicle from rolling off a jack on a hill or incline)

She will be fine riding in the front seat with you.

You should keep these items in your car at all times, especially during long trips:

First Aid Kit

Blanket

Spare Fuses

Shovel

Engine Fluids

Flashlight

Flares/Reflective Devices

Tool Kit

Extra Fan Belt (serpentine)

Water

Fire Extinguisher

Jumper Cables

Duct or Electrical Tape

Jack/Lugnut Wrench

Spare Tire (properly inflated)

Sand, Cat Litter (winter)

Answer 4

Stop being so over worried.  She will be fine, I have took may long trips with out all the fuss and they and I are fine.  My three kids and I go on 16 hour trips every summer to see family.  The car is used and old, gets us from A to B and if there is some thing it needs. I fix it if it happens on the way there and it can wait until I am at my family's.  You and your daughter will be just fine.  Front seat is great makes them feel more apart of the trip and give you some one to talk with.  Back seat is more for safty on baby's and toddlers.  Yours sounds old enough for the front.