Before You Leave On That Road Trip: Making Sure Your Car Is Ready
by Jay Gaulard
A big road trip is looming in the future. Can you be sure that your car is ready? Before you head out on the open road, there are some important safety checks you need to make. After all, nothing would ruin a vacation faster than serious car trouble on your way to your destination!
On Month Before Leaving
Preparing for a car trip starts long before you are ready to go. About a month before you are ready to leave, there are some steps you need to take. First, you need to complete any major repairs that are needed on the vehicle. Often repairs lead to the discovery of more problems, and you want to be sure that your car is in the best shape possible before you take a long trip.
If you are traveling in the summer or headed somewhere that is significantly warmer than your home, have your coolant checked. If you are traveling where it will be below freezing, make sure the coolant has the proper amount of antifreeze in it. Change the coolant if it needs to be changed.
This is also the time to check your tires. Do a tread check by placing a penny in the car’s tread, with President Lincoln’s head pointed down and facing you. If you can see the entire head, the tread is too worn and you need to replace your tires. While this might seem like a very big expense, worn tires can burst while driving, which can be a very dangerous situation. Also, make sure your spare is inflated and that you have the necessary tools to change a tire if needed, such as a jack and a wrench.
This is also a good time to spring for a brake inspection. Brakes that fail can cause serious accidents, and often something as simple as replacing the brake pads can keep your family much safer. It is better to know now that something is wrong with your brakes, rather than finding out as you are driving.
Finally, check the glove box for the car’s owner’s manual, insurance card, and registration. If any of these items are missing, request them. You can order a manual from the car’s manufacturer, or you may be able to download it online. If your insurance or registration is going to expire while you are on your trip, renew it before you leave.
The Week You Leave
When you are getting closer to the time of your departure, head to the mechanic to have an oil change done along with any other routine maintenance that is due on the vehicle. You may wish to schedule a full tune up. You want your car to be running as efficiently as possible before you head onto the open road. Check the pressure in the tires and double check the tread. Make sure the air filter is clean, because a dirty air filter will reduce your gas mileage. If the air filter has been in the car for 10,000 or more miles, go ahead and change it, even if you do not think it looks dirty.
Now you need to clean out the interior of your car. You need room for your luggage, and anything that you do not need simply adds weight to the vehicle, which cuts down on your gas mileage. Some things you should not remove, however, are your first aid kit and emergency supply stash. Make sure these are well stocked. However, if you are not going to be in cold weather, you can remove the winter emergency kit from the car, if you have one. Don’t get the car washed or vacuum the interior yet, however, because you still have a week to get it dirty again.
If you do not have an atlas, buy a good one. If you do have one and it is old, replace it. GPS systems and map printouts are great, but an atlas is one tool that you can rely on even if the electronics stop working. Also, you may be forced to take a detour, either due to construction or because you want to see some sights, and your printed maps or GPS may not help in this situation, as they are going to show you the shortest possible route to your destination.
The Day Before Departure
The day before you are scheduled to leave, you need to check the tire tread and the tire pressure again. Tires are not something to leave to chance, so make sure they are in good shape before you leave! Check the owner’s manual to see if your vehicle has separate tire pressure recommendations for heavy loads or high speeds, both of which probably apply to you as you prepare for your trip. If you need to make an adjustment, do so when you fill up, which is another thing you can do the night before you leave. Then you have one less thing to do on your way out of town the next day.
Packing up to Leave
On the day of departure, think carefully about where you pack your items in your vehicle. The heavier items should be placed as far forward as possible. Also, try to keep the load level. Make sure that you do not overload your vehicle. Remember, every vehicle has limits. These tips will help to increase your fuel economy as you drive. It will also keep your family safer if you should run into inclement weather along the way. A car that is packed unevenly is more prone to spinning off of the road and does not get good gas mileage.
With these tips, your family will be as safe as possible on your next road trip. Remember, you cannot plan for the unexpected, but you can be as prepared as possible for whatever comes your way. Preparing your car is not just a good idea, but it is also essential to enjoying your vacation free from worry and hassle.
Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of MyAutoMarket, a popular automotive parts and accessories website.
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Top Ten Tips for a Successful Motorcycle Tour
by Alan Liptrot
You chose a country that you thought would suit you, you carefully packed your luggage and your maps, you meticulously planned the route, but still the holiday is a disaster. What more could you have done to ensure the success of the tour? Here are the top ten tips for motorbike touring.
YOUR BIKE
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people set off on a long tour without making sure that their bike is in the best possible condition it could be. Having your motorcycle serviced before a long tour could save days of heartache, especially if you are planning a trip abroad. In some countries,garages aren’t always as motivated as you are, when it comes to getting your bike back on the road. Sometimes, the whole holiday can be taken up waiting for repairs. Don’t forget to carry spare bulbs.
YOUR CLOTHING
Make sure you have the right clothing. Even in summer months there is a possibility that mountain roads can be subject to inclement weather. It could be forty degrees or it could be less than ten, and it’s a guessing game that you would be wise to avoid. This is when a guided tour with a luggage-carrying back-up vehicle comes into its own. Another advantage of a back-up vehicle is the access to water if it does become very hot.
DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW
Don’t try and cover too much ground in one day. Many people who set out on their own, forget to allow time for refreshment stops. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your planned destination in a state of exhaustion, then quickly eating and climbing into bed. A few consecutive days of this will see you wanting to ditch your bike and catch a bus. Be reasonable with your itinerary.
RIDE WITHIN THE LAW
Is it a race or a motorcycle holiday? Another downer that could happen whilst on tour, is being pulled by the local police and hit with a huge speeding fine, and in some countries I mean huge. Always, but always respect the traffic laws and speed limits, and this applies if you’re touring in your own country too.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE SENSIBLY
When planning your route, make sure you go somewhere interesting. It’s all very well spending the day on fantastic country roads, but when you wash up in that one horse town and you’re sitting in a bar all by yourselves, you’ll wish you’d put a little more thought into the route. Again, if are travelling with a guided tour, someone else will have done all the homework for you.
WHEN ARE YOU GOING?
What time of year are you planning to take the tour? Bear in mind, especially if you are travelling to a mountainous region, that even when the sun is shining on the coast, it can snowing in the mountains. In summer, you’re probably going to be fine if you remember to carry the right gear, but be careful in spring and autumn, or you may just have to pack a snow shovel.
DRINKING?
I know that you’ve been set free and are determined to enjoy yourself, but believe me (here speaks the voice of experience), it’s no fun crawling to your bike with a raging hangover, a mouth that feels like a monkey slept in there and a splitting headache. For your own sake and the sake of the people you are travelling with, go easy on the booze.
HOW ARE YOU?
We’ve talked about the condition of your bike, but what about you? You owe it to yourself to feel as well as you can during your tour. I’m not talking about launching into some kind of marathon training before you embark on your trip, but the better you feel, the more you’ll enjoy yourself, so if it means shedding a few pounds, it’s well worth it. Besides looking after yourself, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your travelling companions during the tour. It’s always worth asking how someone feels, especially if you know them well and feel they’re not quite on the ball.
DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA
You’re in an incredibly beautiful mountain pass, the high peaks have a coating of pure white snow punctured by the most graceful pines you’ve ever seen, and guess what; you forgot you camera. This scenario is not as uncommon as you might think. Before you set off, and I don’t mean in the hour leading up to departure, make a list of all the things you’re likely to need on your trip. I know you want to travel light, but you can always cross things off the list, but you can’t magic them out of thin air once you’ve started.
FRIENDS
This could be the most important one. Go with friends who’ll understand when you get lost, tired or irritable. Better still go with a specialised tour company.
Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
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Basic Engine Care For Cars This Winter
by Kimberlie Hutson
Winter isn’t the nicest season to be driving in; it requires extra diligence and even the most experienced drivers can find themselves in some scary situations. However, it doesn’t matter how safer driver you are, if your car isn’t in top condition you’re putting yourself and others at risk.
Before you set off in the morning make sure your car is clear of any ice, clearing a small patch in the windscreen in front of the drivers’ seat is not going to be sufficient, or legal, you need to make sure all your windows and mirrors are clear. The most effective way to remove ice from your windscreen is going to be a good old-fashioned ice scrapper and can of deicer. Don’t be tempted to pour hot water over your windscreen; this could result in you cracking your windscreen. Don’t be tempted to improvise an ice scrapper either. Your credit card and CD’s were never designed to clear your windows, at best they will just scratch your windows which you may not notice until you’re driving into a low winter sun and the glare is almost blinding you. It is much cheaper and easier to buy an ice scrapper and can of deicer than to replace your entire windscreen. If your car is going to be parked all day at work and there’s a chance it could freeze up again, make sure you have a spare can of deicer in your car.
If, when you drive off, you can hear a high pitched squealing noise there’s a good chance that your water pump and/or cylinder block is frozen, this is not safe and if possible, you should stop the car and wait until they’ve defrosted.
Anti freeze should be added to the radiator and screen wash. Typically anti freeze won’t freeze until it reaches temperatures below -40 degrees Celsius (with a 40/60 ratio). When water freezes it expands and this could result in your engine cracking, also, anti freeze contains corrosion inhibiting compounds, which will also benefit your engine. Antifreeze should ideally be replaced every two years to ensure it’s able to do its job as effectively as possible.
Make sure the engine oil is comfortably between the minimum and maximum mark on the dipstick, check this when the engine is cold and the car is flat. Now you’re confident your engine is safe, check out your tyres. If you’re going to be driving in icy conditions you’re going want to know you’re as safe as possible. If tyres are over inflated they are going to have less grip on the road (under inflated tyres are going to increase fuel consumption so always consult your manufacturers hand book). It is illegal to drive with tyres with less than 1.6mm tread and it’s illegal for a reason, if you don’t have enough tread on your tyres you reduce your risk of being able to stop safely when you break. If caught, you could face a fine and points on your licence (which is nothing compared to the prison sentence that comes with a death by dangerous driving conviction). If you’re not sure if your tyres have enough tread and you don’t happen to have a ruler on you, you can check the little bars molded into the tyres, if they have worn down to these bars they need to be replaced, if your still not sure, replace them anyway, its better to be safe than sorry!
If your car starts to make any noises which it shouldn’t, it is best to have a qualified mechanic look at it. This is not ideal weather to be waiting for your breakdown service to rescue you in.
Copyright (c) 2008 Kimberlie Hutson
Race lubricants online shop offers an extensive range of engine oil and lubricants to help ensure your engine stays in the best possible condition this winter. They also have a technical help section where you can ask one of their engine experts for any help you may need.
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Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for the Guy or Gal Who Has Everything
by John Curry
Christmas is just around the corner, and shopping days are dwindling quickly. If you haven’t figured out what to give the guy or gal on your holiday gift list, consider these gift ideas designed with the practical man (or woman) in mind: 1. Heated ice scraper: If your beloved lives in a cold climate, he or she will love a heated ice scraper. These handy devices make scraping the ice off a windshield so much easier, and they are the ideal size for a stocking stuffer. Price: $10 - $20.
2. Remote car starter: For those who park outside, a remote car starter is a thoughtful gift. With a remote car starter, you can warm your car up before traveling out and about. It is not only convenient, but it is better for your car too. Price: $50 and up.
3. Roof racks (ski, snowboarding): If your loved one enjoys winter sports like snowboarding or skiing, then a roof rack or carrier is a necessity. Price: $50 and up.
4. Vehicle back-up camera: Does your husband or wife repeatedly back into things when exiting the garage? Maybe you have a garage or driveway with blind spots. Either way, a wireless, mountable vehicle back-up camera will save your vehicle from dents and scrapes. Price: $85 and up.
5. iPod car accessories: iPod car accessories like car chargers, adapters and holders are a must have for music lovers. Prices vary depending on the accessory, some as low as a few dollars.
6. Bluetooth headset: Many states are enacting laws making it illegal to drive while talking or texting on a cell phone. To protect those you love while obeying the law, buy a Bluetooth headset for easy, hands-free talking. Now available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes, prices start around $25.
7. Motorcycle care kit: Does your guy have a chopper that he loves? Does your gal prize her Harley above all else? If so, a motorcycle care kit is a practical gift. Most come with a variety of cleaners for different surfaces (chrome, leather, etc.), cleaning cloths or sponges, and can be purchased almost anywhere. Price: $25 and up.
8. Heated massage back seat cushion: When your guy or gal is playing the role of backseat driver, distract him or her with a heated massage back seat cushion. Available for as little as $20, this gift is particularly useful in colder climates or for those with achy backs.
9. Interior car accessories: If your loved one drives a lot or has a long commute, consider gifts that will make the ride a little more pleasant. He or she will think of you every time they hear their favorite CD or use their new floor mats, decorative seat covers or steering wheel cover.
10. Curb ramps: Does your favorite guy or gal have those pesky rollover curbs at home - the kind that scrape the bottom of your car or truck any time you enter or leave your driveway? If so, then a set of curb ramps are a great solution. Curb ramps improve gas mileage and save wear and tear on cars, trucks, vans, RVs, boats, golf carts and more. Price: about $300 for a standard-sized driveway, $400 for a wide driveway.
Many of these can be purchased at your local automotive store (Napa, Schuck’s, AutoZone), large discount retailers (K-Mart, Target, Wal-Mart Costco), and sometimes your local detail or body shop. Knowing your stretched for time, you might want to search online instead to see if you can have your gifts shipped in time for Christmas.
Happy Holidays to you and yours - enjoy your practical gifts this holiday season!
- John Curry
Copyright (c) 2008 John Curry
Not sure what to get your sweetheart for Christmas? Bridjit Curb Ramps are a great gift for the guy or gal who has everything. Affordable, easy to install and a pleasure to use, our curb ramps will reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and save gas mileage. There’s still time to order your set before Christmas. Visit www.bridjit.com for more information or to place your order today. Made from recycled tires in the U.S.A.
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Simple Tips for Safe Winter Driving
by Kimberlie Hutson
This time last year I was driving to work one morning when I skidded on a patch of ice. I was driving down a duel carriageway at 50mph (well under the speed limit) about ¼ of a mile away from a major motorway. As I came round a slight bend the car started to shake and that’s the last thing I remember before I woke up in hospital. My car bounced of the central reservation rolled over a few times before ending up on its roof on the verge. I was lucky, I was driving a fairly new car with more airbags than I knew I had, a few broken bones later I was back on my feet and vowed to have a little bit more respect for harsher driving conditions. It was a major road, which at any other time would have been gritted and my taking that fact for granted almost cost me my life.
However, there are a few simple bits of information, which despite being common sense I neglected to take into consideration. A lot of modern cars will have a warning light, which notifies the driver when it is below 3 degrees. You don’t really need this light to tell you when it’s cold and possibly freezing. If you are driving in potentially icy conditions (which in this country could be at least a third of the year), careful driving is essential.
We all know the basic information which is common sense, if the car starts to spin; you have to steer into the skid and if the car does start to spin, never break or make any sudden movements. With careful driving and common sense, you should be able to avoid skidding on ice in the first place.
If the tires suddenly go very quiet there is a good chance you could be driving on black ice, this is almost invisible to the eye and often occurs on windy roads where the sun cannot reach. Very slowly take your foot off the accelerator and do not be tempted to slam your breaks on. If you are fortunate enough to have ABS (anti lock breaking system) this should help prevent your wheels locking. In icy conditions, it can take up to tens times longer to stop. You may be in a rush to get to your destination, but ask yourself if it’s worth a detour via A&E. If you get behind someone who does seem a little nervous, shouting abuse and driving in their boot will not help. On the other hand, if you’re the one with someone trying to climb into your back seat, you might feel more comfortable pulling over if and when it’s safe. When it is icy, try and plan your journey with a little more time than you normally would, just because you think you’re the best driver since sliced bread, the person in front of you may not be so confident and trying to over take on a icy bendy road could prove fatal.
Its not just heavy breaking which can cause your car to spin. If you accelerate too hard in icy conditions you are just as likely to spin your wheels too. Heavy breaking and heavy accelerating can also increase your fuel consumption so try and keep your revs as low as possible and your actions as clam as possible too.
Always keep an emergency kit in your car, if your car decides its going to break down at night when it’s below freezing there are a few things you are going to need. A blanket, touch, hazard triangle, non-perishable snacks and an in car mobile phone charger. Even if you don’t normally carry a mobile phone, consider investing in a cheap pay as you go, just to keep in your car with the number for your breakdown service as well as a few other essential numbers. If you find yourself stranded on a dark country road, walking to the nearest house or shop may not be practical or safe.
When driving in icy conditions just remember that prevention is better than cure, take your time, be safe and sensible and if the worst should happen, make sure you’re prepared.
Copyright (c) 2008 Kimberlie Hutson
Race lubricants online shop offers an extensive range of engine oil and lubricants to help ensure your engine stays in the best possible condition this winter. They also have a technical help section where you can ask one of their engine experts for any help you may need.
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