Preparing and Packing the Car

Tips for Tuesday

Now that summer is in full swing, you’re probably ready to hit the road, whether it’s a family reunion weekend, a trip to the beach, or a road trip in the van with the kids.  Plan ahead, you will avoid the stresses associated with missing or forgotten items.

PREPARING YOUR CAR

·         Take car in for servicing—check fluid levels

·         Have oil changed in car

·         Check tire pressure, and condition of tires

·         Make sure all lights are working properly

·         Clean out unnecessary items from trunk

PACKING THE CAR

·         Extra water for the car only

·         Toolkit for roadside emergencies

·         Owner’s manual

·         Insurance card, vehicle registration, auto club membership info

·         Duct tape

·         Jumper cables

·         Extra fuses

·         Air pressure gauge

·         First aid supplies

·         Flashlight and batteries

·         Fire extinguisher

·         Extra car keys

·         Pillows and blankets

·         Travel games

·      Chargers for phones and MP3 players

·         Plastic bags for refuse

·         Pack items you will need during the trip (cooler, games, snacks, etc.) separately from suitcases

·         Snacks and drinks in a cooler

·         Moist towelettes for washing hands

·         Paper towels or napkins

·         Roll of toilet paper

Saving on Car Maintenance

Frugal Friday

Your next largest investment after your home is usually your car. Therefore, you should take good care of it to make it run at its best, and so it lasts as long as it can. Cars are built to last well over 100,000 miles these days, but unless you perform maintenance on it, it may break down. And since maintenance can be expensive, here are some tips for saving money.

• Clean out your trunk. The heavier the load, the more gas you'll use.
• Before replacing an air filter, check with your mechanic to see if the old one is washable.
• Check your tire pressure on a regular basis (especially when seasons change.) Properly filled tires will give you better gas mileage.
• A bathroom plunger and touch-up paint can fix the little dents.
• Rotate your tires every 5000 to 10,000 miles to maximize their life.
• Driving your car over a sprinkler on high pressure will clean the under carriage just as well as the costly car wash (and won't knock anything loose.)
• Open your windows instead of using the A/C when in stop and go traffic. Use the A/C while on the highway, as the wind can provide resistance.

Here is Part Two of Preparing for a Successful Summer Vacation Trip. Below are tips for packing the family, packing the car and getting settled in when you get back home.


PACKING THE FAMILY
· Clothing (this is another topic for another article!)
· Jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures
· Bathing suits, towels, flip-flops for poolside
· Toiletries—use travel size whenever possible
· Sunscreen!
· Medications—in original pharmacy containers
· Sunglasses, extra pair of prescription glasses
· Alarm clock, watch
· Plastic bags for wet clothing
· Laundry bag
· Recreational gear, such as fishing pole, running shoes
· Deck of cards
· Personal CD players
· Camera and film
· Cellular phone
· Night light
· Ear plugs
· Empty bag or suitcase for souvenirs
· Tote or backpack for day trips
· Rain poncho/umbrella
· Water bottles
· Extra batteries
· Phone numbers of family members or friends watching the house
· Traveler’s checks and money
· Medical insurance cards
· Driver’s license or other photo identification


PACKING THE CAR
· Extra water for the car only
· Toolkit for roadside emergencies
· Owner’s manual
· Insurance card, vehicle registration, auto club membership info
· Duct tape
· Jumper cables
· Extra fuses
· Air pressure gauge
· First aid supplies
· Flashlight and batteries
· Fire extinguisher
· Extra keys
· Pillows and blankets
· Travel games
· Plastic bags for refuse
· Pack items you will need during the trip (cooler, games, snacks, etc.) separately from suitcases
· Snacks and drinks in a cooler
· Moist towelettes for washing hands
· Paper towels or napkins
· Roll of toilet paper


WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
· Turn air conditioner back on, or lower
· Unpack your car
· Sort laundry as you unpack your suitcases and start a load
· Pick up your mail from the post office if it isn’t being delivered
· Pick up your pets from the boarder

This may seem like a lot to do and remember, but your goal is to have a safe, fun trip. The better prepared you are, the better the chances of having a great time away!