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Travel Checklist

Before going on a trip, you can save yourself a lot of aggravation by checking your vehicle thoroughly.

1. Check the engine oil, even if you change it regularly. Locate and pull the dipstick. Wipe it clean with a cloth. Reinsert the dipstick, and pull it out to get an accurate reading. The level of the oil should be between the "add" and "full" marks on the stick. If the level is below the "add" mark, add a quart of oil. Always use the kind of oil recommended for your vehicle. If you're not certain which weight to use, check your service manual.
2. Check the transmission fluid with the engine running and up to operating temperature. Locate the dipstick and check the level in the same manner as described above. In this case, the hash marks on the stick indicate one pint. On most vehicles transmission fluid should be changed about every 30,000 miles.
3. Check the coolant level at the coolant-recovery tank. The "minimum" and "maximum" fill-marks should be visible on the side of the tank. If the level is low, top it off with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.
4. Check the belts. On newer cars the accessory belt, also called a serpentine belt, drives the air-conditioning compressor and power-steering unit as well as the alternator. Check the belt for cracks, tears and other signs of wear.
5. Check the wiper blades. Good visibility is especially important for highway driving. Sometimes you can recondition the rubber blades by wiping them with washer fluid on a soft cloth. If the blades are badly worn, replace them before taking a long trip. Wipers should usually be replaced once a year. Don't forget to check the rear wiper if you have one. Top off the wiper fluid if necessary.
6. Check the tire pressure. Proper pressure enhances your car's handling and may improve your fuel economy. Inflate your tires to about 2 pounds below the recommended maximum pressure. (The maximum pressure appears in raised lettering on the sidewalls of most tires.) If improperly inflated, tires wear unevenly and prematurely.
7. Tip: Follow the Abe Lincoln rule of thumb for checking tread wear on your tires. Insert the edge of a penny into the tread, with Abe Lincoln's head pointing down. If the edge of the penny rests in the bottom of the tread and you can see the top of Abe's head, your tires are worn and should be replaced soon.
8. Check your headlights, brake lights and turn signals. Have someone stand outside your car and check as you turn lights off and on. If you're by yourself, perform the check in a garage with the key in the ignition but the engine turned off. That way you'll be able to see the reflection from the lights as you run through each check.

It's also a good idea to have your vehicle professionally serviced before taking a long trip.