A
female
age
30-35,
*aiti30
writes:This isnt a quetsion about sex or a relationship, its just a common worry.My car is a 98 ford, and im planning on taking it on a 4 hour trip, and im kind of antsy. ive never taken it more then 20 miles, but i dont have any problems with it. I take good car of it and the owners before did too. It may just be a common worry, but is there anything i need to prepare for? or do you think itll be ok since i havent had any problems? any advice on how to control my worry? thanks!Kaiti Reply to this Question
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male
reader, anonymous, writes (29 October 2012): don't worry dude. I've seen 30 year old cars travelling 1000 kilometers without any problems.
But you realize that even a brand new car may break down, don't you? It depends on the road conditions, the weather, the quality of the parts and consumables in your car. (specially with these Chinese products these days)
Be prepared. Make sure your spare tire is fine. Get your wheels and brakes checked if you haven't done so recently. Keep your mobile charged and remember the emergency phone numbers.
A
female
reader, Candid Cally +, writes (28 October 2012):
As long as your car has been maintained you should be just fine.
You should check your tires and make sure they are in good shape. You also want to check the air pressure in your tires and add air if necessary. If your tires are worn unevenly, you may want to have them balanced/rotated/aligned before you go.
You should check the level of oil and coolant to make sure they are ok. Also, check brake fluid and make sure you have enough windshield wiper fluid.
Test your windshield wipers if you havent used or replaced them recently. It is scary to turn them on in a sudden storm driving at highway speed and the rubber seperates from the arm.
Have a friend help you check whether your brake lights, turn signals, and high and low beams work. Make sure your tag light is working and you have your registration and insurance information with you in the car.
Do you know if your car insurance plan covers roadside assistance, just in case?
If the weather may be cold, please make sure you have extra clothes, food, water, and a blanket within reach in your car. Fill your gas tank and charge all of your electronics before you leave.
While driving ALWAYS pay attention and leave yourself an out...essentially, plan ahead for where you would direct your car if the unexpected happens. If an animal jumps in front of your car, swerving to avoid it could cause you to crash ino another car. You may have to grit your teeth and hit it. Always know which way you would go if an accident happened right in front of you.
Finally, if you do not already have a multi-tool specifically for your car, buy one. You want one that can be used as a flashlight, can cut a seatbelt, and can break glass. This tool can save your life if, somehow, your car ended up in water.
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A
male
reader, Sageoldguy1465 +, writes (28 October 2012):
 the only thing you need to worry about is whether or not you will be passing through any toll booths... and - if you are - to have enough money for those tolls....
Good luck. Have fun....
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A
male
reader, Tom Obler  +, writes (28 October 2012):
 Hi,
Based on what you say, the car sounds looked after. It doesn't sound like you would have mechanical problems. Just note, do you have "breakdown cover?"
Have you checked spare tyre? Do you have GPS or roadmap? Check oil before you drive off. Check tyres are legal and correct pressures. Make sure windows are clean. Fill car up with gas before you set off as gas can be cheaper price than on the auto routes. I think thats the lot.
Just to recap....oil, tyres, windows, gas.
Happy motoring, :)
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A
female
reader, Dear Mandy +, writes (28 October 2012):
 HI
Your car sounds like it's in shape so I wouldn't worry, 4 hours is really not that long a journey. But like all long trips make sure you have a bottle of water/a blanket/tin opener/ can of rice pudding, small brandy/and an energy bar in the boot, as you never know .it's always good to be prepared hun.
Have a great time
Mandy x
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