Tips And Advices - Perform a Desert Pretrip Vehicle Inspection

Before you leave on your trip across the desert, you should perform a pretrip inspection on your vehicle. This includes the following:

Check tire pressure. All tires should have at least 30 lbs. of pressure. If not you can fill your tires with air at the nearest gas station. Make sure your tires aren't seperating, and don't have excessive wear. Place a penny in the tread. You shouldn't see all of Lincoln's head. If necessary, replace tires.

Fill the engine with the correct amount of oil. Start and operate the engine for 5 minutes. Check under the vehilce for evidence of oil, and transmission leaks. Replace air cleaner filter, if necessary. In a dusty desert, this filter gets dirty quickly.

Summerize the radiator. In desert climates, like Arizona where I reside, the radiator should be summerized in April of each year. The radiator should be flushed, filled with clean water, and antifreeze. Also, the air conditioner should be serviced. The cooling system should also be checked for evidence of leaks. Have a mechanic perform these operations for you or you will become burned, and end up looking like a fried desert toad.

Check water level of battery. Add water when necessary. Even so called maintenance free batteries need to be checked. Clean battery cable and posts with a cold engine of course, with baking soda water solution, and an old toothbrush. One that is too old for teeth, of course.

Test all dash instruments for proper functioning; horns, all lights, windshield wipers, wiper fluid, and etc. Do not test your horns at 5:00 a.m., or your neighbors will come over to make sure that your horns will never work again.

Have a mechanic check engine mounts, all hoses, and belts. Also check the gas tank for evidence of leaks. Make sure your gas cap, and radiator cap is tight, and in working order.

Clean the windows for visibility with window cleaner, and paper towels.

Clean the inside of your vehicle. In an accident, your child's basketball could be dangerous, if left to fly around the vehicle. It could hit your head, or your windshield. A fire extinguisher can be mounted inside the car for emergencies. Check you local auto store such as Auto Zone, Pep Boys, for mounting kits.

Check seat belts for signs of wear, and check air bag functioning. If the air bag is ready and engaged when you first start your car the air bag ready light will come on briefly, and then go off, and you should hear a slight clicking sound as the air bag slides into place.

Travel safely. Bring along some personal identification, such as a driver' license for the driver, naturally, and identification for the passengers, also. In addition, bring proof of auto insurance, and registration. And if you have health insurance, bring along proof of that also, plus names and phone numbers of relatives to contact in an emergency.