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How To Prepare For Long Car Journeys
Proper preparation needs to be considered before you embark on any long car trip, failure to do so could mean you end up in trouble. Make sure you have everything you are going to need including car tools, especially if you are taking the children. By following these guidelines you can make sure that your trip goes the best that it possibly can.
The best way to make sure your is as calm as possible, devise a plan. You should sit down a few days before plan your route, check the weather forecast and set out your arrival and departure times. It is always good to have an alternative route as a backup plan. By doing this is you encounter any problems while on the road you can detour with causing any extra stress to your journey.
You must make sure your vehicle is adequaltly prepared. The majority of break downs will occur because the car is not maintained properly. You need to ensure your tyres have the correct levels of tread, 1.6mm is the absolute minimum, and that you have a good set of car tools in case of a breakdown. If you make sure the oil, screen wash and water levels are all right you will be less likely to encounter problems. With regards to the car tools, there is no need to weigh the car down with heavy cumbersome tools but a good basic set is recommended.
Engine oil is your first essential, running out of this will not end well. Another essential is a good quality cross head screwdriver, the quality is important as you do not want it to snap or ruin your screws. Small leaks and breakages can be mended with metallic tape, however this is a quick fix and these sorts of problems should be addressed by a professional as soon as possible. Your car tools should also contain a set of socket wrenches, two or three different sizes should do it. A spare tyre and a jack are a must. You should make sure that your spare tyre is road worthy before you set out on any long journey. Tow ropes, jump leads and a torch are other essentials and a repair manual if you are not especially familiar with the ins and outs of a car.
The most important point to take into account is careful driving; you must stop every 2 hours for a break to avoid fatigue. These breaks should be included in your journey plan. Despite planning your journey careful and making sure you have the right car tools, if you fall asleep at the wheel, none of this will be able to help you. If you are alert and safe whilst driving you will have a much better trip in your car.
Article submitted Wednesday, January 04, 2012 & read 6 times.
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