There’s something about cruising on the open road – a kind of freedom you feel as the mile markers go by, local radio stations fade in and then fade out as they’re replaced by other local stations that track your route as the aural equivalent of mile markers. Whether you’re headed north, south, east or west – sometimes, it’s just great to get away. And, when you get back, folks will ask you, “So, how was your trip?” The last thing you want to tell them is about how you’re car broke down in Bliss, Idaho, where your experience was more expensive than blissful.

Consider the equation above if you have children in the car. “Are we almost there yet?” changes to “Is the car fixed yet?” Good thing you brought some games along to keep them occupied, right? That’s called being prepared, but only to a degree. Truly being prepared means doing what it takes to avoid unplanned roadside breakdowns.

Preparing for a road trip starts with making sure your vehicle is up to the task. And, this is the time of year when folks start thinking about road trips. If a part on your car can breakdown, it can breakdown on a road trip. The difference is the distance between you and a trusted auto repair shop, as well as your ability to wait while the repairs are done.

In terms of what you should check, here is a general list. Check these items yourself, if you’re inclined and up to the task. Otherwise, bring the car in to an auto repair shop where you know they’ll take good care of you:
•    A good place to start is where the rubber meets the road – your tires. Do they have any leaks? How much tread is left? You may not want to trust a tire that’s on its last leg for a long trip. Oh, and don’t forget to check the spare and the jack. You want to know you have all the necessary equipment to mount a good spare on the car if needed.
•    Moving in from the tires, how are the brakes? This is a vital consideration with any trip near or far. However, if you’re headed towards any mountains, know that you’ll seriously test your brakes going up and down those inclines.
•    How’s your steering and suspension? Last month, many auto repair shops had specials on shocks, struts, steering and suspension parts. It’s that way every year because auto repair shops know that April has, generally, taken us safely through another winter and winter is hard on shocks, struts, steering and suspension parts. If you break a tierod in Bliss, Idaho, better hope they’ve got access to the part. You might find yourself waiting for the part to arrive before they can even start on the repair work.
•    If the transmission is otherwise working well, there’s not much to do other than check the transmission fluid unless, of course, you’ve done a good job of maintaining your transmission and having the fluid and/or filter changed on schedule. If so, you might want to do that again before hitting the road.
•    Just as the brakes are critical when you want to stop, the engine is critical when you want to go. Ask yourself when you last had a tune up, if the coolant is good, the hoses and belts are healthy, the battery is strong and the charger is charging. Then, when all of those factors are taken care of, have the oil changed.
•    You’ll also want to make sure your wipers are in good condition and that you have plenty of windshield washer solvent.

Other than preparing your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you have a cell phone and a DC cell phone charger in the car. Yes, you may run out of your provider’s telephone coverage area, but maybe not. And having a working phone when you breakdown can change the entire equation.

Finally, bring maps, snacks, drinks, blankets, road flares and anything else you’ll need to ensure your safety and comfort. Oh, and don’t forget the games. Even if you don’t breakdown, you may want to play a game or two in your hotel room at the resort.