All systems go! A road-trip checklist

Just as you wouldn't run a marathon without some serious training, you shouldn't take a road trip without preparing yourself and your car or truck. So before you hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, here are a few things to consider.

Is your vehicle fit?

Under the hood Have fluids, filters, belts, hoses, windshield wiper blades, cooling system, brakes and tires checked.

Seeing is believing Be sure all the lights and turn signals work and that your spare tire is usable.

Charge it If your car's battery is more than 3 years old, have it checked, and replace it if necessary.

Keeping cool Make sure your air-conditioning system is fully charged. If your vehicle has a cabin air filter, have it cleaned.

Clean it up Because you'll be spending a lot of time in your ride, clean the interior before you leave.

Older vehicles If your vehicle has high mileage, is too small or has been unreliable, consider a rental.

The art of packing properly

Heaviest items should be placed as close as possible to the center of the car. In SUVs, place the heaviest items on the floor to maintain safe handling.

Secure loose items so they don't hit passengers in a panic stop. Remove loose items from the rear parcel shelf.

Keep your rear view clear, no matter how large the load.

As you pack the trunk, remember that you might have to unpack the cargo to access the spare tire.

Stack road maps in the order of use.

Don't overload

Make sure the weight of both passengers and cargo doesn't exceed your vehicle's maximum load capacity. The cap is listed in your owner's manual and varies by vehicle.

Overloading can overtax a vehicle's systems and lead to a wreck. A four-cylinder Honda Accord has a maximum load capacity of 850 pounds. A Toyota Highlander can carry up to 1,200 pounds, while a Honda Odyssey is rated at 1,320 pounds, according to Consumer Reports.

Entertainment

For the kids Along with favorite toys and books, consider packing pillows and blankets for naps. Of course, a portable DVD player might do the trick. Or bring along their favorite CDs.

For yourself Take along your CDs, DVDs, DVD player, MP3 player, satellite radio or audio books.

Or leave it all at home and use the time for family bonding.

Other items

Contact information Give someone a trip itinerary so you be can located in an emergency.

Important papers Don't forget your driver's license, vehicle registration, and auto and medical insurance cards. If you might need to reach your doctor, take his or her phone number, along with any prescriptions.

Just in case Have your mate carry a spare set of vehicle keys.

And, of course You are taking a mobile phone with car charger, right? Just don't use the phone while driving.

Be prepared

A breakdown, flat tire or other inconvenience can occur when you least expect it. Pre-assembled emergency and first aid kits are available at auto parts stores, but you might want to augment them.

First aid kit Adhesive tape, gauze bandage, gauze pads, plastic band strips, disinfectant salve, small scissors, pain relievers, tweezers, hand sanitizer

Emergency kit Screwdrivers - Phillips and flat head, pliers, socket wrenches, duct tape, electrical wire tape, electrical wire spray, WD-40, flashlight with extra batteries, coolant hose repair kit, small fire extinguisher, jumper cables, tire gauge, road flares, spare fuses, foam tire sealant or a portable air compressor, jumper cables, rain gear, work gloves, roadside assistance phone number, disposable camera (to record accident damage), spare fluids and non-perishable food.

Larry Printz, (757) 446-2220, larry.printz@pilotonline.com