Thursday, February 24, 2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 3
Car tune-ups essential for road trips
Mechanics say most vehicles require service
John Clark, technician at Penske Auto Center, in the K-Mart building, 3106 Iowa St., removes the plug from an oil pan so the old oil will drain out. The technicians say car owners should change their oil every 3,000 miles and rotate their tires about every 6,000 miles. They also say that about every 30,000 miles, the coolant and transmissions should be flushed and the fuel system should be cleaned. Penske offers a 10 percent discount on service for students with a valid student ID. Photo by Matt J. Daugherty/KANSAN
By Molly Gise
Special to the Kansan
Nothing beats the thrill of the open road behind the wheel of a car full of friends who have high expectations for a fun and an adventurous spring break.
Except blowouts. And a frightening lack of money, no place to stay, no food and car troubles.
"There's nothing like spending your vacation waiting in the county garage," said Rob Wendland, owner of Wendland Performance Services.
The biggest mistake open road-minded students can make is to jump into a car they've just driven around town without knowing the condition of the car, Wendland said.
Before hitting the road for an extended trip, drivers should have their cars thoroughly checked out, including tires, belts and fluid levels. Wendland said.
Wendland also encourages student travelers not to wait until the last one or two days before the trip to take their cars to a mechanic.
"Nine out of 10 find they have something serious wrong with their car that can't be fixed in a day," he said.
The destination of the trip can help determine what parts of the car need special examination. Hot and cold climates can cause different problems on the road. Wendland said.
Travelers en route to the mountains should prepare for the snow and low visibility by checking the condition of their cars' wiper blades and the level of the wiper fluid, Wendland said. And because of the high elevation and icy roads, cars must have tires and breaks that are in good condition.
Beach-bound students should check the condition of the cooling
system, including fans and coolant fluid. he said.
"Spending the money for the maintenance and knowing the condition of the car can make all the difference." Wendland said.
"Make sure everyone brings money," said Sam Swiderski, Austin, Texas, junior.
However, automotive precautions are only part of the preparation for a road trip.
Some students said a lack of money could be disastrous when on the road.
"I lost my ATM card on the way to St. Louis," said Lee Vanzant, Shawnee freshman. "I prayed that I had enough gas to get home."
For any length of trip, food is as important to the driver and passengers as gas is to the car. Most students elect to bring an assortment of candy, chips and sodas, but a few others choose healthier alternatives.
Scott Raymond, Belton, Mo., junior, is a frequent road-tripper. For extended trips, he suggests filling a cooler with fruits and vegetable and having bottled water on hand.
"The last thing you want is to have Cokes and chips in your body." Raymond said. "Anything too sugary isn't going to sit well."
When traveling in a single car, too many passengers can make a road trip far from a pleasant ride. In the average sedan, four people is about the maximum capacity for comfort.
"If you have five, then people are going to have to put stuff on their laps," said Miles Bonny, Teaneck, N.J., freshman.
During any road trip with several people, rest stops should be taken seriously.
"Make sure everyone goes pee at the last restaurant before there aren't any," said Suzy Bae,
Overland Park freshman.
mclean Thompson, Pierre, S.D., freshman, said: "If you're driving across the upper Midwest, make sure to bring a cup, because you're going to need it."
Whether traveling across town or across the country, good music is an essential part of driving. Raymond said.
"It is something you've got to agree on before you get in the car," he said.
During most of his road trips, whoever is sitting in the front passenger seat chooses the music, Raymond said.
Other road trip recommendations from frequent travelers include a camera, underwear, socks and a first aid kit.
Bonny had an additional suggestion.
"I think you need to have condoms — if that's the kind of spring break you want to have," he said.
councillawrence@counciltravel.com