| Going on vacation is supposed to be fun. No one | | | | the road. |
| wants to get out on the road and have problems. | | | | Finally, check the power steering and washer fluid. |
| Nothing ruins a trip faster than unexpected problems | | | | While both of these are minor, they can become |
| with the car or RV. Therefore, it is important to do | | | | major in a hurry. If your power steering goes out, |
| these three things before each and every road trip. | | | | you will be hard pressed to turn the vehicle. |
| Check the Oil | | | | Additionally, if mud, rain or bugs start blocking your |
| While this may sound weird, checking the oil is very | | | | view, you will want to be able to clean the windshield |
| important, especially on a long road trip. When you | | | | for better viewing and safety. |
| consider that you could be traveling one thousand, | | | | Check the Tires |
| two thousand or more miles, it starts to make more | | | | No safety check would be complete without |
| sense. | | | | checking the tires. You need to check they are |
| Whether you are pulling the travel trailer or driving | | | | properly inflated, as many tires will lose some air |
| the motor home, your oil works hard on any trip. If | | | | from driving and just sitting. |
| the oil breaks down, the entire trip can be ruined. | | | | Additionally, you will want to check the tread. Use |
| Therefore, it is important to check to make sure you | | | | the old penny test for a quick check. Insert a penny |
| have enough oil and that it does not need to be | | | | upside down and if you can see Lincoln's head, it is |
| changed. | | | | time for a change. |
| Check the Fluids | | | | Finally, check the age of the tire. You should see a |
| If you go to a professional oil change place, they will | | | | four-digit stamp on the side of the tire. The last two |
| check all your fluids for you. However, if you don't | | | | digits represent the year. RV tires are only good for |
| have your oil changed prior to your trip, you will need | | | | 6 years. Therefore, if the tires are older than 6 |
| to check it yourself. | | | | years, you should replace them. |
| First, check the water. Fill it with anti-freeze if | | | | Always check these three things for a safe and fun |
| necessary. You don't want your car to overheat or | | | | trip. Only you can ensure the fun and safety of your |
| freeze up while on the road. | | | | vacation. Stay safe by checking all three things |
| Next, check your transmission fluid. Makes sure it is | | | | before you head out. |
| topped off, as you don't want to slip gears while on | | | | |