10 Checks To Be Done When Preparing A Car For A Road Trip

10 Checks To Be Done When Preparing A Car For A Road Trip
by Arthur Raise

Traveling on highways and small tree lined country roads in a car is exciting and an adventure for most city and town dwellers. But you must remember that once you exit major roads and settlements you may need to travel miles before you come across a gas station, house, or mechanic. So you must prepare your car old or new for a road trip.
Begin preparations for the trip by planning the journey. Get a road map and study the roads you will take, decide where you will spend the night if the trip is for more than a day. Make a list of essentials you will need to pack including making a list of emergency numbers.
Be sure to:
1. Give the car a thorough once over at a garage. Get major tune ups and repairs done at least two weeks in advance so that any minor adjustments will all be done before you set out.
2. Get all fluids topped up or replaced; battery fluids, brake oils, engine oils, coolants and so on. If your destination is warmer or cooler than home tell the garage so that they can adjust anti-freeze and water mixture to suit your destination.
3. Get tires checked and aligned. Replace worn out tires and get the tires properly inflated. If you feel it is essential get a mobile puncture repair kit, pressure gauge, and a small portable air tank.
4. Ensure that all door and boot locks are working and that windows are in working order too.
5. Do a physical check on your boot; check the tool box, spare tire, and jack.
6. Put in the glove box a set of car papers, insurance documents, and list of emergency numbers. Keep a manufacturer's manual handy. Put in a small box containing prescription medicines, a torch, and spare batteries.
7. Ensure that the car has a car adaptor to charge mobile phones.
8. Schedule maintenance just before you leave.
9. Get a AA membership and if you already have one get their 24/7 assistance numbers.
10. Ring a friend or family member and let them know where you are headed and your contact numbers.
If you have any serious medical problems then consult your doctor before leaving on a long road trip. Make sure all your insurance papers medical as well as car insurance are in good order. Keep a copy of your medical records with you just in case there is some emergency.
Ensure that you shut all the gas and mains before you leave and lock up the house with a check list by your side. Never leave a set of keys on the lintel or under a pot. And if you are planning to be away for a while inform the neighborhood watch as well as police station so that they will be vigilant. Alternately get a house sitter.
Enjoy your trip.

About the Author
Arthur Raise is a writer for Buy Used Car , the premier website to find help on Cars including topics on car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental and more.

Updating Your Garage With Garage Floor Tiles

Updating Your Garage With Garage Floor Tiles
by Ben Andrews

Whether you're looking for a cleaner floor or an attractive look, garage floor tiles will update your home while protecting the floor from grease, oil, and dirt. Garage tiles are easy to install, even when you want a patterned look, and easy to clean. You'll love how your garage looks when you install floor tiles in it.
Your garage may have the dirtiest floor in the house. Not only do you park your car there, but you may also keep your lawnmower, cans of oil or antifreeze, pool chemicals, and lawn tools in the garage. The floor also endures the most abuse of any in your home. Heavy vehicles drive across the floor, dirt accumulates, and chemicals can leak out onto the concrete. Your garage floor handles a lot of abuse daily, probably more than you've ever thought about.
Garage floor tiles offer one way to protect your floors from seeping chemicals and heavy pressure. Manufacturers make tiles out of things like polyvinyl and polypropylene materials and they come in various different sized squares, corners, and edge tiles. The squares interlock with each other, making installation a breeze. You can install a single solid color, add a border color, or create a design with different colored tiles.
When looking for tiles, consider the greatest risk to your garage floor. Diamond patterned tiles contain spills. Coin patterned tiles gives the best cushioning and channel patterns allow you to sweep out the garage easily. You might also choose the tiles based on their appearance and what you like best.
Floor tiles for your garage install without the use of adhesives. You simply interlock the tiles in place. When you want to clean the tiles, you can either sweep them off or pick them up and wash them off. If you move, you can take the tiles with you and if you need to replace one tile, you can easily find a replacement.
If you use your garage for a home office, gym, or work area, floor tiles give the garage an attractive appearance while still protecting the floor. The floor will also be warmer on your feet than cold concrete and the tiles are more practical than having to place rugs around the area.
Garage floor tiles protect your garage floor from spills, leaks, and driving on it. The tiles are attractive, durable, and low maintenance. You'll love not only the look but the protection that the tiles will give your garage.

About the Author
You'd be amazed at what garage floor tiles can do for your garage. Learn more about ideas for your garage at Discount Flooring Options. When you're ready to work on the interior, you can check carpet prices and more.