The kids are out of school, summer is in effect and it is time to hit the road. Although gas prices continue to climb, a record number of people are expected to travel by car this summer. Before you make that road trip to grandma’s house, the beach, the timeshare, the class reunion, the conference, the festival, the theme park and your or Tom Joyner’s Family Reunion, here are a few things you should consider to prepare for the road:

1. Service Your Vehicle
When was the last time you serviced your vehicle for an oil change, checked the cooling system, replaced or adjusted the brakes, replaced the windshield wiper blades, got a basic tune-up, monitored the tire pressure and examined the condition of the tires, topped off or changed the fluids underneath the hood or simply followed the service guidelines located in the back of your owner’s manual?  For savings, check the automaker, dealer or independent repair shop Web site for internet specials. If you need assistance with selecting a service repair shop, visit http://jeffcars.com/repair.html.

2. Renting a Vehicle

In case you are leasing your personal vehicle, want to test drive a vehicle before you decide to make your next new car purchase or do not prefer placing Betsy Mae on the road because of all of the miles you have on her, you may want to consider renting a vehicle. Check the Web sites of several rental companies to ensure you are receiving the best deal. Due to fluctuating gas prices, some rental companies may charge the same for economy size vehicles as the 8-cylinder gas guzzling SUVs.

In case of an accident, avoid buying additional rental insurance if the credit card you used to charge the rental provides appropriate coverage. Make sure your card covers additional drivers for your rental car too!

Lastly, remember you may be able to negotiate for an upgraded vehicle or extra mileage based on inventory or the mood of the rental car representative. It never hurts to try!

3. Gathered Your Mobile Essentials

Before you hit the road, here are some essentials you may want to keep handy. Did you grab your favorite road cassettes, CDs, DVDs, DVD Player, MP3 Player, Palm Pilot, a map, a mobile navigational system, bottled water, healthy snacks, cell phone and/or cell phone charger? In case you have an in-dash DVD Player and you are the driver, avoid watching Madea’s Family Reunion until you arrive at a stationary location.

If at all possible, avoid using the cell while driving. While driving, safety experts say that even hands-free headsets are unsafe. How much energy does it take to engage in a conversation, especially if it involves some “dirt” or “juice”? In most cases, you will find that you are more engaged in the call than you are in the rules of the road. Unless it is an emergency, play it safe and avoid using the cell while driving.

4. Buy a Roadside Assistance Plan

In case you become stranded due to a flat, run out of gas, get locked out of the vehicle, need to be towed or trip is interrupted for a few days while you are traveling, consider purchasing a roadside plan. If you have a roadside assistance package via AAA, AARP, GM Motor Club (available for non-GM products too), an auto insurance carrier, some cell phone carriers or an automotive service contract, you can save yourself additional time or money. It is never too late to sign-up for a plan. Most plans can be activated within one to two days of enrollment.

If you have more than one driver in your household, you should consider signing-up on a family plan. Plans range from as little as $3 a month for cell phone plans up to    $100 a year for non-cell phone plans. The average roadside plan runs about $60 a year. This is less than paying for an average tow bill. And the more risky driver may need a plan that offers bonding for tickets and jail. Shop around and select the plan that best fit you. It is worth the investment!

5. Travel with an Emergency Roadside Kit

Always keep an emergency road kit in the trunk or rear of your vehicle. This kit should include a tire inflator, a tire gauge, a heavy duty booster cable, several 15-minute road flares, bandages, gloves, a flashlight and an emergency “call tow” banner. You can put together your own kit or purchase a prepared kit from your local automotive aftermarket store. The average kit ranges from $14 to $26. Do not leave home without one. You never know when you will need it. In case of an emergency, try to pull out of the flow of traffic and to the side of the road. Before exiting, always be cautious of your surroundings!

6. Share Your Emergency Plan

In light of September 11 and the hurricanes of 2005, if you are taking a trip more than 50 miles away from your home base, let a friend or family member know your route plan. You never know when the weather will change or where you may end up. Just ask any hurricane evacuee.

7. Find the Best and Lowest Gas Prices

Before you make your road trip, map out the places that provide the lowest gas prices. Also to make sure that you select the best gas for your vehicle, check out what some of the major automakers recommend that you fill-up with. Not all gas is equal. To find out the best and lowest gas prices for your vehicle, visit http://jeffcars.com/bestgasprices.html.

As always, get plenty of rest, check weather conditions and avoid driving into the path of flooded roads. Remember to always buckle-up. It is the law and it could also save your life. Safe travels!