What needs to be checked on a car before a very long (10 hour) road trip?

Question

I find myself as the sole driver on a fairly long journey. I have a licence, but have never owned a vehicle... so... I need some help.

These are the things I've thought of so far... Tire pressure, full spare, jack and tire iron, oil, washer fluid, gasoline (of course)... anything else? What am I missing?

Answer 1

1.) roll of t.p. - you never know when you may need to make an 'unscheduled' stop.
2.) decent tunes - if you're driving for 10 hours, your favorite radio station may well have gone out of range before you get to where you're going.
3.) munchies - roadside stops for chow can get expensive; take along the food items you enjoy and save the money for gas.
4.) a container of water in the trunk will help if the car looks like it may overheat.
5.) a fully charged cell phone - Your car doesnt' always remember to break down within walking distance of help.
5.) a valid credit card.
6.) an up-to-date map of your route, and an alternate route in case you need one.
7.) the telephone number of the car's owner (if other than yourself).

You should also check the filters, the plugs, and the fuses. Fluids like transmission, brake, and power steering may also need to be 'topped up'. Check the head - and tail lights to be sure they're working, make sure your mirrors are positioned properly, and check the seat position and that your seatbelts are in working order. also make sure thaty the door locks are in working order.
Good Trip!

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Wow...folks are being so helpful -- and thorough! Not much I can add, except that if you take your car in to a garage or other service place to take care of the oil change and such, it's always a good idea for you (or a friend) to personally look under the hood before you hit the road, to make sure that the oil cap has been re-closed tightly and nothing else looks amiss (had a screwdriver left in my engine once by a mechanic...that could have gotten interesting!).

It's also a good idea to tell a friend ahead of time when you expect to be there, and plan to call them on arrival...so if anything unexpected *should* happen, someone's aware of it without undue delay.

As for other things to take along...memories. Plans. Excitement. Anticipation. And a friend (in spirit, at least). :)

Answer 4

We just traveled 12 hours in the car with our 5 month old. She slept most of the time. We just had to stop twice for feeding (we also drove during the night, so we knew she'd sleep most of the way). On the way back, we drove mostly during the day, and surprisingly, she slept most of the way back too. Had to make a little more stops for feeding and changing...and playing, but we still made good time. I think the hardest part was when we got there. She really didn't like being in a different place...it took her about 3 days to get used to her surroundings and new people. Good luck!

Answer 5

• Check owner's manual
• Under the hood
• Engine oil
• Transmission fluid
• Engine coolant
• Battery
• Other items
• Tires
• Steering and suspension components
• CV-boots
• Lights and mirrors
• Spare tire, wheel wrench and the jack
• Leaks
• What worth to take in a long trip


Hope this helps you...good luck and have fun on your road trip.

Answer 6

Make sure the radiator has enough fluid in it.

check tires for condition and for nails.

Have someone check the timing belt (if you take your car in for an oil change, you can rewuest that they do an overall check).

If it's an older car, keep checking the temperature gauge to make sure it does not overheat.

Plan your routes.

Road conditions.

a map.

Best of luck.

Answer 7

get plenty of duct tape........Good flashlight, it can get darker than Tobey's *** at nite, cell phone for emergency. Wear yer seatbelt. In the MT & WY area constantly read that a vehicle goes off the road & rolls and the occupant(s) tossed out and killed. Cops say seat belts were not used. Road atlas. Snacks & soda to help stay awake/alert.

Answer 8

Well I am sure you have had your brakes checked.

But here are some other items:

Map.
Change.
Cell Phone and Charger
Wiper Blades in Good Shape?
Sun Glasses.
If your mechanic had time check belts and hoses.
The phone number of your destination in case you get lost.
Check all thie lights so you don't get pulled over (brake/tail/head/signal/directional).
Honk your horn to make sure it works.
Pack a light snack and pull over if you get drowsy.

Have a good trip.

Answer 9

Oil lube filter change maybe a tire rotation and check the fluids and the windshield whippers too.

Answer 10

check everything tyres,brakes,seatbelts,wipers,brake fluid,oil,water in radiator,screen washer,spare tyre,first aid kit,dont leave anything to chance also take food and water with you make plenty of rest stops,music to listen to,keep your window slightly opened for fresh air so you dont get sleepy,sleep well before setting out on your journey and drive carefully,even stop for an hours sleep during the journey,take care happy traveling............ oh take your mobile for emergencys but dont use it whilst driving.....