Inspect your vehicle before cross-country trips Published Nov. 12, 2008 By Wing Safety Office 71st Flying Training Wing VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The holidays are a fine time to visit family and friends. If that visit involves a cross-country drive, take time to inspect your vehicle before departing. Here is a beginning list of things you, or a qualified mechanic, should check. You can add more items depending on your vehicle's make and model: Engine oil level Cooling system hoses Brake lines Brake operation Windshield wiper blades Head lights and driving lights Power steering hoses Exhaust system Parking brake operation Fan belts Mirrors both side and rear-view Snow chains if applicable Transmission fluid level Brake lights and turn signals Brake fluid level Tail lights and reverse lights Power steering fluid level Tire wear and inflation Tire balance and alignment Spare tire condition and inflation Horn Anti-freeze level Heater and air-conditioner functioning You should keep the following items in your car at all times, especially during long trips: First-aid kit Blanket Spare fuses Shovel Engine fluids Flashlight Flares and reflective devices Tool kit Extra fan belt Drinking water Fire extinguisher Jumper cables Duct or electrical tape Jack and lug-nut wrench Spare tire properly inflated Sand or cat litter Portable radio and spare batteries Bricks or boards to prevent vehicle from rolling off a jack on a hill or incline