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 more tips for saving money.

• Park in the shade in the summer so gas doesn't evaporate in the heat.
• Tread easy on the gas and brake pedals. This will improve your mileage.
• Turn your engine off when parked or waiting for freight trains to go by. Idling uses gas.
• Hold a lighted match near frozen locks to thaw them.
• Search the web site for the cheapest gas in your area.
• Buy gas after the sun goes down. Gas molecules evaporate less when the sun isn't shining.
• Use cruise control on the highway to save on gas.
• Avoid driving during rush hour whenever possible to avoid back-ups.
• Check and replace air filters on a regular basis.
• Opt for a barely used car over a new one, since new cars lose half their value the moment you drive them off the lot.
• Rental agencies sometimes offer their cars at good prices when they are replacing their fleet.
• Check prices for cars online for the best deals.

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.