Repair & Improve

Packing Makes Perfect

Trunk Tips for Safe Travel

by Tom Kraeutler

Vacation season is soon to be underway and if you've decided to brave this summer's expected high gas prices for a trip over the nation's highways, you might want to think about what you'll need to put in your trunk besides the luggage.  From unexpected breakdowns, to dead batteries, to running out of gas; highway travel can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.

Pilots know the best way to avoid a mechanical problem in the air is to thoroughly check the aircraft before each takeoff takeoff.  According to The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, this same preparation applied to car trips can mean the difference between a smooth sailing vacation and one that takes you down a bumpy road.  Here's where to start:

AIR CONDITIONING - A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather and can waste gasoline. Have the system examined by a qualified technician.

COOLING SYSTEM - The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)  DIYers should never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

OIL - Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual-more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE - Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended-more often in dusty conditions. Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS - A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

LIGHTS - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses.  To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

TIRES - Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Checks tire pressure once a month; let the tires "cool down" first.  Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.

BRAKES - Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

BATTERY - Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Packing the trunk
If you think you've remembered to pack everything you'll need to get to your destination, you might want to think about what you might need in case you don’t make it there.  To stay safe and minimize the inconvenience of an unexpected breakdown and, be sure to pack these items along with your suitcase:

FLASHLIGHT - If your car suffers an electrical malfunction, a flashlight may be the only light you have on a dark highway.  Invest in a good one and make sure the batteries are fresh.

JUMPER CABLES - Dead batteries are common.  A good set of jumper cables is a must to get you out of a jam and back on the road.

FLARES - As many as one-third of all highway deaths are the result of pedestrians.  Therefore, making yourself visible in the event of a break down is very important.  Buy a few fresh road flares for the trip and store them in a water-proof container.

REFLECTIVE TRIANGLES - Reflective triangles are another way to bring attention to your location if the car breaks down.  The advantage here is that they're visible both day and night.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER - Fire extinguishers are rated using a letter system depending upon what kind of fire they'll fight.  For a car, you'll need a "B-C" rated extinguisher, which means it's good for both flammable liquids (like grease or gas) and electrical fires.  These kinds of fires are common with cars and can be tough to put out.

FIRST AID KIT - Look for a good quality first aid kit that stores in a waterproof box.  If you already have one, check to makes sure all used supplies have been restocked.

WATER - Bringing water along to drink is more important than food.  Most roadside emergencies can be resolved in a couple of hours, not days - which is enough time to become dehydrated.

CELL PHONE - If you've never had a cell phone, getting signed up before a trip is a s good as tine as any.  If you don't have your own phone, check around for an old one.  Even out-of-service cell phones can be used to place a "9-1-1" emergency calls and taking one on your trip could be a lifesaver.

Road rules for breakdown safety
OK…so you fixed up your car, packed the trunk with all the required equipment, set out hoping for the best but still broke down?  Staying safe and getting help quick should be your next priority.  Here's where to start:

GET FAR OFF ROAD - If your car breaks down, don't panic.  Grab the steering wheel firmly and immediately look for a safe place to pull as far off the road as possible.  Avoid blind curves or parking below the crest of a hill where another car won't see you until it's too late.   If the engine dies, remember the car's remaining momentum is all you may have to get to a safe place.  Brake only if necessary and use whatever power the car has left to get well off the road.

MARK LOCATION - Once you've pulled off and even BEFORE you try and figure out what's wrong with your car, use emergency triangles, light sticks or flares to mark your location.  Place the first one well behind where you've stopped and put another at least every 50 feet.  Caution!  Watch traffic while setting up these markers.  Other drivers aren't expecting to se a pedestrian on the road so you'll have to watch for them too!

RAISE THE FLAG - If you need assistance, tie a white cloth to your car where other motorists can see it.  A good place might be the antenna, door handle or stuck in between the top of the windows and the doorframe.  A white flag is the universal signal for motorists in distress.  Once posted, other drivers will stop to help or call 911 from their cell phones.

STAY IN CAR - Whether to stay in your broke- down car is a judgment call.  However, most experts interviewed for this story agreed that staying put is the safest place to be.   Pedestrians wandering on highways are walking targets for other drivers and are at high risk of being hit.  If you've managed to get your car to a safe place, stay there until help arrives.  However, if the car has come to rest in a dangerous area like the middle of traffic, you might be better getting out and carefully walking to a safe place to wait for assistance.  Likewise, if you feel you've stopped in an area where crime is a concern (like at night on a deserted highway), you might want to leave your car but get out of site.  When police arrive, you can reveal your location and ask for help.

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