I thought with the fishing opener coming this weekend, and the busy
travel season coming soon as well, I would put together a list of
things that should be checked before any long trips to help prevent
break downs along the side of the road. Some items are easily
checked by yourself, some you may need to bring in to be inspected.

Check your engine oil, or change if needed
Check engine coolant, no leaks and if it is full
Check coolant hoses
Check engine belts
Check your tires air pressure
Check for tire wear, bald or worn uneven. rotate or replace if needed
Check front end parts for loose parts
Alignment if needed
Check your brakes, not just the pads and shoes, check the hydraulics also
Check wipers and washer fluid
Check transmission fluid, full and has clean fluid
Check the remaining fluids (power steering, ect)
Check air filter
Check out the lights, tail, brake, turn, headlamps (trailers also)

Most vehicles now days dont require wheel bearing repacks, but if yours
has repackable bearings, its easier to do it before the trip then on the side
of the road (trailers also)


I am sure I forgot some things, so feel free to add to the list.
I would like to add that most if not all of these things get checked if and when you bring in your vehicle to a good shop to get your oil change done, most of these are included at no charge with an oil change.