Quick Tips For Family Trips (NAPSA)—After you’ve made hotel reservations and traced your route on a map, there are a few things you can do to make sure your summer vacation will be as safe and smooth as can be. About two weeksbefore yourtrip, take a few minutes to make sure your car is running like a “well-oiled machine”andis ready to go: Make sure all hoses and belts are in good condition. Belts should be tight, with no cracks or swelling. * To help prevent overheating, check the radiator fluid level. This should be done without removing the radiator cap by ensuring the radiator overflow bottle is at the properlevel. Check battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. If your battery is not maintenancefree, check to see if it needs water. Examine your tire pressure and tread depth. Check to see if your tires are wearing evenly. And don’t forget to check the spare. Change youroil if your trip will take you over your auto manufacturer’s mileage recommendation based on yourdriving habits. Makesure the exterior lights work properly, including turning signals and brakelights. Pack an emergencykit in the trunk. Include a flashlight with extra batteries, water, flares, extra windshield fluid, battery jumpercables or a battery booster pack, anda first aid kit. If you’d prefer to have someone else help prepare your car for a trip, take it to a vehicle maintenance service center. As part of a Jiffy Lube Signature Service oil change, for example, you get an oil change and new oil filter, plus Jiffy Lube trained and certified technicians will check yourairfilter, wiper blades and brakefluid. Technicianswill also check andfill your chassis fittings, plus transmission, differential, windshield washerand batteryfluids. Some service centers also provide diagnostic services. One service will check oil and transmission fluids for levels of “wear metals” and contaminants that indicate the overall condition of - & Whenyour caris properly ser- viced (and stocked with supplies), family road trips can be much more enjoyable. the engine and transmission internal parts. Other services will make sure the battery, starter, alternator and computer system are in good workingorder. Onceyourcar is road-safe, here are some suggestions to make the trip as easy as possible on your youngtravel companions: * Depart close to nap time or in the early morning, when children are more likely to sleep through part of the day’s journey. Try to take a 20-minute break for every two hours of travel. Look for parks and rest stops so everyone can stretch little. Keep a scrapbook and have the children maintain it by pasting in brochures, ticket stubs and other items. Prepare surprise packets for children to open periodically if you’re driving for many hours. Travel games, snacks, drawing materials and small toys are ideal. * Bring peppermint gum, lemon cookies plus foods high in carbohydrates and salt, like crackers andpretzels, if a child is prone to motion sickness on a longtrip. Stock the car with wet wipes, adhesive bandages, antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, antacid, pain relievers, bottled water, blankets and pillows. Always reward the young passengers for good behavior! For more tips on “summeriz- ing” your car for family roadtrips, visit www.jiffylube.com.
