The best way to avoid an automobile breakdown is to:
PREVENT IT BEFORE IT HAPPENS!
Here are some simple steps to ward off the inevitable...
Before you leave on a trip, the best thing to do is take your vehicle to a reputable auto-mechanic shop and have it checked out thoroughly...
BUT, if you are like so many do-it-yourselfers, here
are a few guidelines...
Check the following:
Check all hoses, making sure they are properly connected and tightened. If your vehicle is an early model, see that the hoses are not brittle or stiff. They must be flexible...
a. Recommended Water & Coolant mixture for the radiator
b. Engine oil topped off to full (not overfilled)
c. Transmission fluid topped off to full (not overfilled)
d. Windshield washer reservoir filled with proper liquid (not just water)
e. Battery cables properly tightened and compartments topped off with proper fluid
f. Tires properly inflated and are in good condition (enough threading)
g. Make sure the wheel lugs are tight
Here is a list of items you will want to have in your vehicle:
a. A flashlight with extra batteries
b. An empty gas can
c. Battery cables for boosting
d. Blankets
e. A gallon container with clean water
f. Two to three quarts of engine oil
g. At least a 20-foot rope
h. An Army Swiss Knife
i. A cellphone with enough minutes available - with car charger
j. A GPS
k. A Camera NOTE: (Most cellphones are quipped with GPS & Camera)
l. Spare tire
m. Timing belt (A timing belt seems a bit much, but it can break - and the cost for one on the road is much, much higher
than at your local auto store. (Get one!)
n. Car Fuses
o. Car Phone charger
p. Your GPN Distress Red Balloon (Don't dare forget this)
KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING
1. Have a MapQuest Printout of Your Direction:
Before you leave on a trip, the best thing to do is take your vehicle to a reputable auto-mechanic shop and have it checked out thoroughly...
BUT, if you are like so many do-it-yourselfers, here
are a few guidelines...
Check the following:
Check all hoses, making sure they are properly connected and tightened. If your vehicle is an early model, see that the hoses are not brittle or stiff. They must be flexible...
a. Recommended Water & Coolant mixture for the radiator
b. Engine oil topped off to full (not overfilled)
c. Transmission fluid topped off to full (not overfilled)
d. Windshield washer reservoir filled with proper liquid (not just water)
e. Battery cables properly tightened and compartments topped off with proper fluid
f. Tires properly inflated and are in good condition (enough threading)
g. Make sure the wheel lugs are tight
Here is a list of items you will want to have in your vehicle:
a. A flashlight with extra batteries
b. An empty gas can
c. Battery cables for boosting
d. Blankets
e. A gallon container with clean water
f. Two to three quarts of engine oil
g. At least a 20-foot rope
h. An Army Swiss Knife
i. A cellphone with enough minutes available - with car charger
j. A GPS
k. A Camera NOTE: (Most cellphones are quipped with GPS & Camera)
l. Spare tire
m. Timing belt (A timing belt seems a bit much, but it can break - and the cost for one on the road is much, much higher
than at your local auto store. (Get one!)
n. Car Fuses
o. Car Phone charger
p. Your GPN Distress Red Balloon (Don't dare forget this)
KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING
1. Have a MapQuest Printout of Your Direction:
How To Prepare Your Vehicle...
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Packing For The Road Trip...
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