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Summer Road Trip Prep

Steps to keep your driving vacation worry-free

Ah, the summer road trip: an American tradition that's evolved from horse and buggy to Model T, from station wagon to today's SUV. Artistic interpretations of these traveling adventures are as varied as the Joads in "The Grapes of Wrath" and the Griswolds in "National Lampoon's Las Vegas Vacation." Piling the whole clan into the family car and setting out to discover America is as much a part of summer as lemonade and suntan lotion.

If your ideal is a free-and-easy journey where the only surprise is a pleasant side trip, then that well-worn adage about "an ounce of prevention" should be your mantra. You have two choices: take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a thorough going-over, or do the job yourself. If you opt to do the vehicle check yourself, start at least a week in advance of the trip in case something turns up that needs repair. A good starting point is with your car's owner's manual, a useful reference for everything from fluids to tire pressure. The following is a checklist for vehicles that have been maintained regularly. If you know that some systems, such as the brakes or air conditioning, need extra attention, this is also the time to have it done.

Oil Check

In addition to making sure your oil level is up to par and clean, the viscosity rating is also important. If you live in a cold weather area and haven't changed your oil, this may be the time to do it, switching to a higher SAE rating. Most oil comes in variable viscosity, SAE 5-30 or 10-50 etc. The higher the SAE number, the thicker the oil and the slower that oil flows—something that's important in hot weather driving. Too low a viscosity rating in hot weather (defined as 90.25 or above), the oil flies through the system without doing the job of pulling heat off the engine. A good choice for summer trips is 5-30 or 10-30 , but that will depend on your engine type and the manufacturer's recommendations. If your summer trip involves towing or mountain driving (even if you don't anticipate temperatures in the hot range), the load on your engine will generate its own heat, so opt for the higher SAE rating suggested by the vehicle manufacturer.

Cooling System

Ironically, the best anti-freeze is also the best coolant. The key here is to check out the system and make sure the fluid can withstand the rigors of your trip. Check for signs of leaking along the reservoir seams at the sides of the radiator and the core's coolant tubes at the top and bottom of the unit. Hose off the radiator to remove any debris and insects. If you can't remember the last time the system was flushed, that's a good indication it needs flushing to remove scale and rust from the core tubes, water pump and water jackets on the engine block and heads. Refill with a good quality coolant, following directions on the container for the proper dilution with water. Check the water pump for leaks; check radiator hoses, replacing those that show cracking, bulging or softened rubber. You might also want to replace the thermostat, as older ones can end up sticking shut.

Other Fluids

Remember to check all other fluid levels. This includes transmission fluid and windshield wiper fluid, even if you have your vehicle serviced regularly.

Inspect Belts

One of the most common and most easily prevented breakdowns is the trusty old accessory belt, which, once broken, leaves you dead and lifeless on the side of the road.

Check Tires

Check tires for excessive or uneven wear. If the tread has worn unevenly, you may need an alignment or have a suspension problem. Make sure the tires are inflated to the level recommended by the auto manufacturer—that information is found on a plate on the driver's side doorframe. Under-inflated tires are a hazard and can cut fuel economy by as much as two percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level. Over-inflated tires generate more heat, wear out more quickly and can cause a rough ride. Make sure your spare tire is intact and properly inflated and that the car jack is easily reached and serviceable. If the last tool to touch your wheels was pneumatic, make sure the lug nuts will submit to your socket wrench.

Lights On

Check all lights, including turn signals, stop lights, everything that's supposed to light up or flicker. Make sure your flashlight is working as well, and if you don't have one in your vehicle, get one.

4x4 Tips

If your vacation vehicle is a 4x4, especially if it's a 4x4 that's seen lots of dirt or off-road time, check your air filter, even if the vehicle has been serviced regularly. Check the suspension and lube points as well. These are the systems that take the worst beating during off-road travel. While suspension problems usually give you fair warning, that still leaves you with the decision to tough it out with your fingers crossed or spend valuable vacation time in a mechanic's waiting room.

Emergency Kit

With all the above checks and double-checks, you're almost good to go. Just one last thing, however—your vehicle needs its own first aid kit. That means extra fluids, such as a quart of oil, container of pre-diluted coolant and wiper fluid. Don't forget to include a replacement fuse kit, a can of quick tire repair, an empty container for fuel and some replacement hoses or belts. Now, your ride should be ready. Have a great trip—and don't forget the SPF!