Packing for the Road Trip
Before getting ready for a road trip, before even packing the gear into the car go down to the service station, and check the tyre pressures, making sure of course you know what they should be. Most service stations have a basic chart to follow. With correct tyre pressures you'll save a bit on fuel and your tyres will last a bit longer too. If it's a huge trip you may want to get your car serviced first so book ahead with a mechanic. If you have the tools and a bit of know how you can do this yourself, it should only take a few hours at most.
A usual service involves an oil and filter change. Never do one without the other as the filters are so small now they hold a lot less impurities. Also check your Spark plugs, if they look burnt and scummy replace them, again new spark plugs will save you a lot of fuel as well as giving you a boost in power. If you're heading into colder country or it's getting into winter check the coolant PH and percentage levels in the radiator, this can be easiest done with a test kit available from your local car accessories shop or service station. If it needs replaced you can just drain the radiator, but the new coolant will last longer if the engine is back flushed, before new coolant and water is added. If in doubt just send it into the mechanic workshop a week before your trip.
Now your car is all ready for the trip, what if something goes wrong? have you got a car charger for your phone? Mobile phones how did we get along without them? Insurance company details, you never know who will crash into you or you may need their break down service. If you run into the police(hopefully not literally) you'll definitely need your drivers licence, and make sure your car road tax or registration is up to date.
Now you should be ready to pack the car full of gear you'll actually need for your holiday when you get there. So if you are going camping, you're obviously going to need a list of things, check them off as you pack them, This way you shouldn't miss anything. If you are just going up or down country to visit friends, you'll probably run across a few shops you can buy anything you miss, but personally I still find this a big pain, so I still have a check list.
So for these trips it also helps to make a list.
Any time I haven't followed these steps I've generally had dramas.
Happy traveling!
