From Aaron Gold,
Your Guide to Cars.
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Lots of people have told me they are concerned about taking long trips with their cars, especially if those cars are getting on in years and mileage. Generally speaking, long trips are easier on your car than day-to-day driving, but the stresses are different. A few simple checks will stave off many common problems -- but you've got to start early.

One month before you go

Get any major repairs done. If your car needs major repair or maintenance, do it at least one month before you go. That will allow plenty of time for any problems related to the repair to pop up.

Check the coolant. If your destination is a lot warmer or cooler than home, check (or have your mechanic check) the coolant's mixture of antifreeze and water to make sure the car is properly protected. If the coolant needs to be changed, do it now; flushing the system can sometimes lead to leaks, which you'll want to find and fix before you leave.

Check the tires. Tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road. Check them carefully! Make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure. If the pressure is too low, it can cause extra heat buildup that can lead to a blowout at high speeds. Follow the instructions for checking tire pressure in your owner's manual. While you're down there, check the depth of the tire tread. (Put a penny, edge on with Lincoln's head pointing down, in one the grooves of the tire. If you can see the space above Abe's head or "In God We Trust", it's time for new tires.)

Check the spare tire. Make sure the spare is fully inflated and you have all the associated tire-changing bits and pieces, including the jack and tire wrench. If your car has wheel locks, make sure you have the adapter for the lock-nut.

Check the glovebox. Check for the owner's manual and registration. If the manual is missing, order a replacement before you go. Some automakers have manuals in PDF format on their web sites. Check the registration to make sure it won't expire during your trip. Consider carrying it in your wallet in case the car is stolen. If you have a roadside assistance program such as AAA, make sure the card (or at least your member number) is in the glovebox.

One week before you go

Get any scheduled maintenance done. If you expect your car's next maintenance interval to come up during your trip, now is the time to get it done.

Check the tires again. The tire pressures should be about the same as they were at the one-month check. If one tire differs radically from the others, it may have a leak. Double-check the treads and inspect the sidewalls for any cuts or nicks that may need attention.

Clean out your car. The more stuff you haul, the more fuel you burn. Clean mercilessly. If you're going to the Grand Canyon in the summer, do you really need those snow chains? If you have suitcases full of clothes, do you need an emergency blanket? If in doubt, take it out; if you miss it in the next 6 days before your trip, you can always put it back.

Check the air filter. A clogged air filter affects fuel economy and performance at high altitudes. They're inexpensive and easy to change. If your current air filter has been in the car for more than 10,000 miles, it's time to clean it or change it.

Buy a road atlas. If you don't have a current road atlas, consider buying one. Hours and hours of expressway can get boring. Getting off the beaten path can add an entirely new dimension to your trip.

One day before you go

Wash and vacuum your car. Before you pack, give your car a good scrubbing and vacuuming. Clean cars always seem to run better. Besides, who wants to travel in a dirty car?

Check and change the tire pressures. Yep -- tire pressures again! Many cars have two recommended ratings, one for light loads and one for heavy loads and/or high speeds. If you're taking the whole family, inflate the tires to the higher setting. You will usually find this information in the owners manual or on a sticker in the door jamb or fuel filler flap. Remember: Set the pressures when the tires are cold.

Fill the tank. Might as well get it out of the way now. Besides, gas is often more expensive on the road.

The day of your trip

Look at what you've packed. Open your suitcases and take one last look -- do you really need all that stuff? If there's anything you can do without, then do without.

Load evenly and carefully. If you're carrying lots of heavy objects, position them forward in the trunk and distribute the weight evenly side to side. Cars don't have unlimited carrying capacity, so don't overload.

Relax! Unexpected things can happen, but if you've followed these guidelines, you've headed off a lot of potential problems. Relax and enjoy your trip!