Okay, you’ve made the decision: you’re going on a cross-country vacation, and instead of renting a car, you’ll be taking your own. Take these few simple precautions to ensure that your trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible:
1) Plan your trip strategically.
“Doing your homework” may not sound very exciting or romantic, but many an adventure has been derailed by lack of planning. Know where you’re going, the route you expect to take, and how long it should take you to get there. Travel-related Internet sites and your local AAA can help you to plot a course, find lodging and fuel stations, and avoid construction or heavy traffic. Have a good road atlas and maps in the glove box.
2) Make sure that your car is mechanically sound.
Before embarking on our trip, make sure that your vehicle is in top condition: engine, cooling systems, brakes, and other vital systems. Check the oil and other fluids before leaving. Lastly, make sure that your tires are in top condition and properly inflated; the experience of having to change a flat tire or wait on the roadside for assistance is not likely to enhance your vacation.
3) Be ready for common (and uncommon) roadside emergencies.
Forewarned is forearmed. Though it may seem unlikely, proceed as if you expect to get a flat tire or a radiator leak. Pack the standard essential items such as a tire-changing kit (including a spare tire), jumper cables, and road flares. Beyond that, let your imagination roam and prepare for the worst