ChickSpeak

It’s summertime, and the open road is calling! It’s always fun to throw your stuff in the car and go wherever the wind blows you. Some of my favorite college memories involve my best friends, my car and a blaring radio.

Some of my least favorite memories include a dead car battery, the check engine light and the oil light. So before the wind blows you in the wrong direction, say the auto mechanic garage, take the proper precautions before you fill your car with suitcases and coolers.

Think Ahead

Planning a road trip may not seem nearly as fun as being spontaneous, but if your car hasn’t had a tune up later, it’s time to start thinking about one. Prepare to bring your car to a mechanic at least a few days before you hit the road. When you go, make sure someone changes the oil and checks the battery, brakes, brake lights, filters, fluids, headlights and turning signals. If you bring it in the day you plan on leaving, be prepared to postpone your trip.

Once the car seems to be in running order, it’s time to make sure the tires on your car will keeping rolling. First you need to get a tire gauge to check the pressure in your tires. Make sure you check all FIVE tires-the four on your car and your spare tire. To discover what pounds per square inch (psi), in other words how much air your tire needs, is necessary, read the information on your tires or read the car’s manual.

The easiest place to test the tire pressure and add air is often a gas station. Park your car near the air pump, take the tire gauge, remove the valve from the tire and press the gauge to the valve. If you hear air releasing, chances are it isn’t on right. Once you have it on properly, pay attention to the reading. The closer you get to the psi recommended, the better mileage you’ll get. So if the number is off, use the air pump to fill up the tire and check it with the gauge to make sure you don’t go over. Repeat on each tire, and don’t forget your spare tire!

Prepare for the Worst

Although you’ve checked your car and everything seems to be working, it never hurts to prepare for worst case scenarios. Along with packing clothes and food, make sure you pack the essentials: maps, jumper cables, a cell phone charger for the car, flares, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets and extra gas money. Having these things in the cars at all times may not be a bad idea anyways.

Now that everything’s set, get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Hit the open road without having to worry about your car and make sure you and your friends are taking the right precautions on the road, too.

Cassandra Zink graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. She is in love with all things media, has an addiction with iced green tea with mint, loves going to the beach and hopes to travel the world one day.