A Thing for Cars

1.  Make sure the car is up to the trip

It may seem obvious, but do give your car a good check over before you go. Do you have enough fuel and do you know where you’ll be able to fill up? When did you last check the oil and water levels? What about tire pressures and tread depths? It’s all rather tedious, but far better to spend a few minutes making basic checks than be delayed hours because your car has broken down halfway there.

2.  Know where you’re going

Take a few minutes to plan the journey. Your destination may have a website with a location map you can print out and take along with you. Also, maps are widely available at your nearby bookstore s.

3.  Don’t run late

Always have plenty of time for your journey and plan rest stops if your destination is more than two hours’ drive away. Running late increases pressure, meaning you are more likely to take risks and be involved in a car crash or road rage incident. It also means you might exceed the speed limit, which could result in a fine, as well as being a danger to other road-users. Allowing extra time gives you a better chance of arriving safely and finding a parking space.

4.  Be streetwise

Controlling your speed and using the gears wisely helps fuel go further. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking, and stick to speed limits — you’ll use less fuel and will soon feel the benefits in your wallet. 

If you’re going a long way, you’ll be a lot happier if you’re comfortable at the wheel. Get your driving position right and, if you’re in an unfamiliar car, get to know the ventilation and air-conditioning controls before setting off. Then, every 45 minutes on a long journey, open the windows and let in some refreshing outside air.

5.  Keep young children occupied

If money’s no object, fit a DVD system in the front seat headrests. For a smaller outlay, portable DVD players are available for much less. These are usually powered through the car’s cigarette lighter or power outlet and can be easily packed away when you’re not using them.

6.  Play some music

The radio and CDs you listen to an liven up a monotonous journey and make a stressful drive across town more tolerable, but it’s important to pick the right kind of music. Good driving is all about being fully alert, so don’t start loading so-called restful CDs of pan pipes or whale calls. Go for something big, wide, and robust on a long journey.

I also have links to my other articles through my blogs: Sharing my Thoughts and Lifestyle Magazine for Moms

Want to know how to earn extra dollars through writing articles like this? Just visit: http://www.jejeizahfaye.com/2010/01/earning-through-writing-articles.html