Get your car travel-ready. Check fluid levels, including oil, transmission, brake and power-steering fluids. Fill your tires to their optimum air pressure levels. Clean your windshield, windows and mirrors. Top up the gas tank.
Clean out your car. There’s no reason to take any extra junk on the road with you. Pick up any trash, and wash seat covers. Shake out floor mats, and vacuum out dirt and sand. Clear out your storage compartments (glove compartment, door wells, trunk, etc.), leaving only what you need for this trip. Stash quarters and dollars for toll roads in an easy-access location.
Create a mini maintenance kit. Include a quart of oil, glass cleaner, tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor and a roll of paper towels.
Create an emergency kit. This should include a gallon of water, flashlight, batteries, emergency blanket, pocket knife and a few energy bars. If you are traveling in a cold climate, you should also have some warm clothes.
Stock your car with some comfort items. Get a pack of moist towelettes, and use them to clean your hands after handling a gas pump. Pack healthy snacks--fruits, nuts, whole grain crackers and juice boxes. Buy a reusable water bottle. Grab a collection of your favorite CDs or books on tape.
Study your map before you start driving. Plot out possible stopping points. Let your friends and family know your route and when you expect to arrive at your destination. Alert them if you vary it.
Charge up your cell phone the night before you leave. While you’re driving, keep your phone plugged into the car charger, or turn it off when going through areas without service.
