Planning a Trip?

Take a road-ready quiz | Pre-trip maintenance checklist | Helpful travel links

Pre-Trip Quiz

Are you ready for the road? You didn't think you'd be able to just pack up and go, did you? Not so fast! Can you pass this pre-trip roadworthy test from the Car Care Council?

Knowing the correct anwers could make the difference between a successful vacation and one that's littered with repair bills or even more serious consequesnces!

Read the question, then click either "True" or "False" to find out the answer.

1. Most tires have wear bars running crosswise in the tread that cause a thumping noise when tread depth is less than 1/4".
   True / False
   
   
2. The cooling system should be flushed and refilled with fresh antifreeze-coolant even if the inside of the radiator looks clean.
   True / False
   
   
3. Platinum tipped spark plugs may last for as many as 100,000 miles.
   True / False
   
   
4. A squealing sound when the brakes are applied sometimes indicates a hard spot on the brake pads.
   True / False
   
   
5. For most driving today oil needs to be changed only every 7,500 miles.
   True / False
   
   
6. If the engine turns over but won't start, you probably need a new fuel filter.
   True / False
   
   
7. If the engine turns over but won't start, you probably need a new battery.
   True / False
   
   
8. If the engine turns over but won't start, you probably need a new starter.
   True / False
   
   
9. The most common cause of breakdown on the road is broken muffler brackets.
   True / False
   
   
10. Weak shock absorbers on a car loaded with vacation luggage can cause the rear end to sag.
    True / False
    

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Pre-Trip Maintenance

Your car needs special attention before you go on a long driving trip. Starting a vacation with a car that has mechanical problems is a sure fire way to ruin a trip. Take some simple precautions before you hit the road to help make your vacation more pleasant.

• Cooling System
  
  • The cooling system needs to be flushed and re-filled at least once a year in order to keep the cooling system in good working order. If your coolant hasn't been changed during the past year, get the radiator flused and filled before you start your trip.
  • Your air conditioning is very important on those summer car trips. Check the air conditioning. Is it cold? if not, have a technician inspect it to find out why not.
• Drive Belts / Hoses
  • Drive Belts and hoses can deteriorate with age and heat. Check all the belts and hoses in your car for signs of cracks or leaking. Also, check the tension of belts. Any cracked or damaged belts or hoese should be replaced before heading out on the road for a long trip.
• Battery
  
  • A dead battery is one of the more common reasons for break-down. Make sure yours is in good condition before you take that trip.
• Engine
  
  • If your car is due for a tune-up soon, go ahead and get one before leaving on a long trip. A tune-up will make the ride easier on you and your car. Check your owners manual for the proper intervals for tuning up your engine.
• Fluids
  
  • Make sure to check the levels of transmission fluid, engine oil, brake fluid, washer fluid, power steering fluid and, of course, gas. If you are due for an oil change, get one before you take the trip.
  • Tip! Keeping the gas tank at leaset half full will not only help control condensation inside the tank, keeping fuel free of water, but may also save you from running out of gas in an unexpected traffic jam!
• Suspension
  
  • If you are going to be towing something, or carrying a heavy load, you should definately get your shocks and springs checked out to make sure they can handle the load.
• Tires
  
  • Make sure all tires are properly inflated to the specifications in your owner's manual and have plenty of tread with no uneven wear.
  • Don't forget your spare tire! In an emergency, you don't want to find out that your spare is flat. Take it out of the trunk and give it a "once over" to make sure everything is in working order.
• Brakes
  
  • Have your brakes inspected prior to your trip to ensure that everything is in good working order.
• Exhaust System
  
  • Check for any loose hangers or holes in the muffler and pipes
• Windshield Wipers
  
  • Most people don't think about their windshield wipers until they are no longer working. Don't wait until you need them to find out your wipers need to be replaced. Check them before your trip.
  • Refill your windshield washer fluid.
• Lights
  
  • Test the brake lights, turn signals and headlights to make sure they work properly and have enough illumiation

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Handy Links

Here are some other links you might find useful to help you plan your trip.

Check the traffic all over the country at Accutraffic.com

Plan your route and get driving directions at Microsoft MapPoint!

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Take a road-ready quiz | Pre-trip maintenance checklist | Helpful travel links