To a hassle-free road trip
My checklist before a (trans-national) road trip.
For the car
- Check engine oil, brake fluid, radiator coolant, battery fluid, water (used for cleaning windshield by spraying).
- Car wash — Scrub windshields and rearview mirrors (get rid of those that sticky layer from emissions). Wet tissues for wiping them while on road.
- Fuel — Top the tank-up (half to two-thirds (running on a tank-full is not a great way to fuel efficiency; Fill it on the way).
- Tyres — Pressure checks on all including the spare (if you have one); Also, check tyre-types required per regulation (e.g., winter tyres are a must in Germany during winter, or else you get a ticket).
- Check headlights, tail lights, indicators and fog lights (if you have, or if you need). Mechanical equipment check, spanners, spare bulbs, fuses (if you need any)
- Safety triangle, fire extinguisher and fluorescent jacket (if regulation require them), and a flash light.
- Automotive association emergency telephone numbers; Insurance agency number.
- Documentation — Registration, driving license and vehicle (and personal) insurance, passports and visas (or resident cards for driving within the EU; if you’re driving across different countries), car manual.
- Maps — Get hold of the latest, if you’re driving to destinations not visited or seen before.
- A copy of country wise related traffic information, speed limits, color codes and related stuff, translated signs — what they mean, what they signify and how highway toll works.
- GPS — Update software before departure.
- Carry offline backup driving directions, just in case the GPS runs out of battery or has trouble locating.
For my passengers and myself
- Medical kit — Replace expired items; common medicines — headache, tummyaches, etc.
- Some snack food and liquids (if you have kids).
- Fully charged cellphones, and don’t forget the chargers.
- Personal equipment: Cameras (charged batteries, chargers and tapes or other media that you use).
- Clothing: A comfortable pair of floaters and soft-cotton shorts, if you’re going to be sitting over a long driving distance; Smart casuals.
- Hotel related: reservation print-outs, telephone numbers, locations and driving directions.
- Cash, credit and debit and fuel cards.
- Pencil and a plain vanilla notepad, for recording events and noting down points and later for featuring a travelogue on this blog. (No expensive laptops or related accessories. Takes the fun out as Sneha says; Be a tourist not a businessman when you’re on tour.)
I could add a few other minor items to it, but generally, this should suffice.
These are good tips , I can use part of them for my Blr-Bgm-Blr trip. Thanks.
May 31, 07 at 10:33