| How to Avoid Being Bored When You Have Nothing to Do Posted: 17 Nov 2018 04:00 PM PST Sometimes, it may seem impossible to avoid feeling bored. Maybe you feel stuck in familiar habits, or maybe there is no one around to hang out with. Luckily for you, boredom is just a way of thinking, and you can easily change that. Avoid boredom by getting curious about the world around you, trying something new, or challenging yourself to learn a new skill. Whether you are at home or in a public setting with nothing to do, there are countless different ways to break out of a boring mood. EditAvoiding Boredom in a Public Setting - Read the latest news to stay current and entertained. Read particular news articles that interest you, or select articles that actually pertain to the work you do. Maybe do some research on some software you believe would benefit your personal workflow and pitch it to your boss, or get ahead on some research for a school project you know is coming up.[1]
- Look on major outlets like CNN or MSNBC for breaking news, or read from a favorite online magazine for more personal features.
- Start a writing project to exercise your imagination and creativity. Writing is an inconspicuous activity you can do anywhere. Bring a pencil and paper with you everywhere. A small notepad and pencil is an inexpensive combination that can provide endless entertainment on the go. Simply slip it into your purse or back pocket and pull it out when you feel restless to write or doodle something.[2]
- If you're interested in writing, but can't think of anything to write, try a freewrite or a stream of consciousness exercise. These might lead you to an idea for a more structured story, play, or poem.
- Look up writing prompts online to spark an idea, or challenge yourself to write a story with an artificial constraint, such as only using one-syllable words.
- Download a mobile game you can play to pass the time. Simple mobile games and other entertainment-based apps are great to fill the time while standing in line or waiting for a class to start. Pick free games like Candy Crush or Animal Crossing that have in-game restrictions to pass small increments of time, or download more involved games like Clash of Clans or Pokemon Go to pass larger spans of time.[3]
- The internet is full of free online games that will allow you to play solo or with an online community. Visit trustworthy websites with large collections, such as Kongregate, Armor Games, or MoFunZone. These sites are good to use while at home or at a friends house.
- Engage in online social platforms to feel connected to other people. Scroll through your feeds on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and chat with friends and family. Try finding something new on community platforms like Reddit and search topics that interest you.[4]
- Check out the "Today I Learned" (TIL) section on Reddit if you aren't sure what to specifically search for. This section is constantly updated by community members with interesting facts, and funny tidbits.
- Discover a new webcomic or story online that you can read on the go. Thousands of writers and artists put stories and comics online for free, and many of them have archives going back for years. Use collections like Top Web Comics and FanFiction.Net to browse the top-rated webcomics and stories. Bookmark a few stories you think you will enjoy, and read them when you have nothing to do during school or work.[5]
- Once you find a website you like, check to see if the company has a mobile app or a way for you to download the story on your phone. This way, you can even read it offline and save mobile data.
EditCuring Boredom at Home - Learn a game on days when the weather forces you to stay inside. Knowing how to play various card games or some compact boardgames, like portable checkers or chess, also comes in handy when you have long car rides, or for when the electricity goes out. There are plenty of simple and fun games you can learn to play with your friends or by yourself.[6]
- Grab some friends or family members to play classic board games like Monopoly, Candy Land, or Pictionary. Challenge people to a complex game of Settlers of Catan or Scrabble.
- Turn on a gaming console if you have access to one, and revisit an old game you haven't played in a while. Simulator games like "Sims" are great to play on days when you are bored because the gaming experience is different each time you play.
- Card games are portable and can be played anywhere. If you want to play a card game by yourself, learn how to play solitaire, mahjong solitaire, or spider solitaire. If you have someone who will play cards with you, try games like go-fish, gin rummy, or poker.
- Play short, silly games that don't require any tools like charades or chopsticks.
- Start learning a new language that has always interested you. Go to your local library and check out some books on how to get started, or watch tutorials online to help master some basic words and phrases. Maybe you want to learn Spanish or Japanese as a second language.[7]
- Learning a new language engages your brain, which can lead to new opportunities and entertainment. It also gives you something to study or do during downtime.
- Learn to play an instrument to give you something to practice. Get involved with some local instrument classes at a recreation center, or find tutorials online that will teach you the basics and how to read sheet music. Pick an instrument that excites you like the guitar, bass, or even the tuba.[8]
- Study different techniques from various musicians, and pick a method of learning that best suits you. For example, if you want to learn how to play the guitar, you can spend your time listening to new guitarists to study their technique.
- Find a new television show or movie to watch when you want to relax. Specifically look for old shows that you can marathon watch, or watch over the span of several weeks. Shows that you can continuously watch will keep you engaged longer, and pass more time.[9]
- Watch a new television show, movie or web series using providers like YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, or Amazon Prime. Depending on your region, you might be able to watch some programs for free or sign up for a free trial.
- Listen to new music that excites you to liven up boring tasks. Most people listen to familiar music passively, hearing it in the background while doing other things. Update your playlist by finding new music to listen to. Find music that makes you want to get up and dance or music that will help pass time while doing household chores or while walking from place to place. This will make listening to music more of an activity and less of an ambiance.[10]
- Searching for new music on Pandora, Spotify, Songza, or other music apps is a great way to get new songs similar to the ones you love.
- Try out podcasts, which are free radio programs you can download off iTunes. They cover comedy, news, music, entertainment, and much more.
- Get crafty by making decorations that will serve a purpose in your home. Look around for art supplies, scraps of fabric, or any small objects you can improvise with to make an art project. This can be a fun way to pass the time, and you might end up with a new house decoration.[11]
- Consider making a holiday or seasonal wreath for your front door, painting some pottery for a new herb garden, or transforming your seashell collection into a beautiful sounding wind chime.
- Make sure to also stock up on crafting materials for the next time you're bored. If you are often looking for something to do at home, take some time to pick out some arts and crafts supplies. You don't need to devote yourself to perfecting a new hobby, although you certainly can. Just try out a few different crafts, such as pottery or bead jewelry, until you find one that enjoyably passes the time.
- If you are more interested in house improvement or DIY repairs, pick up a new skill such as carpentry or roof repair.
- Try out a new recipe for dinner and invite some friends over to taste it. If you like cooking for fun, or have never tried it before, find a new recipe to experiment with. Flip through a cookbook or online recipe collection like FoodGawker. When your creation is complete, have some friends over, and share the results with others.[12]
- Bake cookies or other simple desserts to destress. Many people bake when they're bored or stressed, especially in the evening when tension from a long day has accumulated. This is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep yourself entertained. You can find hundreds of cookie recipes online or in cookbooks.[13]
- Instead of a standard chocolate chip or oatmeal cookie, be adventurous and make a dessert you have never tried before. Combine chocolate, peanut butter, and cream cheese for a delicious parfait. Be bold and see what dessert you can make with dry ramen noodles, or fry up a ravioli cookie for a sweet and crunchy treat.
EditBeing Entertained Outside - Chat with your neighbors to get know people in your community. Depending on where you are, talking with some of your neighbors may be the best way to avoid boredom. Pay them a compliment, make a comment about your surroundings (the weather, the train, a street musician), or simply introduce yourself if you have never formally met them.[14]
- You never know what you will learn from your neighbors, and what opportunities getting to know them might bring. Maybe you will find out they enjoy gardening as much as you do, or that they can play the guitar and will give your free lessons.
- Develop an exercise routine that will get you out of the house. You can go to a local gym or community center and develop a personal exercise routine by doing push-ups, sit-ups, and weightlifting for you to work on by yourself. Grab a few friends to go bike riding, skateboarding, or to just get outside and play in the park.[15]
- Consider a more structured exercise routine with physical activities like dancing, yoga, or running. Doing more structured physical activities may even lead you to make new friends.
- Exercising may not be easy when you first start out, especially if you aren't normally active. People who exercise with someone who has a similar fitness level and similar fitness goals are more likely to enjoy themselves and stick to regular exercise.
- Join a local sport to meet people with similar interests. This is a great way to fill up empty weekends, especially if you enjoy spending time with people. If you have always wanted to play on a baseball or volleyball team, see if your community has a recreational team. They are usually low-key, weekly games that get you out of the house easily.[16]
- Contact your local Department of Parks and Recreation and ask about local sports leagues for both children and adults. The easiest way to contact the department would be over the telephone or online. The website might even have a sports schedule posted.
- If your community does not offer recreational sports, arrange a group of friends to play a pick-up game or other outdoor game. Try out games like ultimate frisbee or capture the flag.
- Pick up gardening to give yourself something to tend to on a daily basis. Tending to plants is very relaxing, makes you feel connected to the earth, and requires almost daily care. Go to your local hardware store to pick up seeds and topsoil to build a garden in your backyard, or purchase small, windowsill potted plants or herbs to care for easily inside.[17]
- Growing fruits or vegetables is also a great way to mix up your diet with new foods.
- Engage in daily outdoor activities like walking or hiking. Getting out of the house for 30 minutes or an hour each day can change your outlook for the better. When you take a lunch break, bring your sandwich with you on a walk or an impromptu picnic. This may clear your head and stop you feeling stir crazy.[18]
- On a hike or on other long outdoor trips, try bringing a book to keep yourself entertained if you get tired or bored of physical activity. Also, limit your use of electronic devices as they make it difficult to enjoy natural surroundings.
- If you have an outdoor pet, taking it for a walk or playing with it at a park is a great way to break out of a bored state of mind.
- Volunteer with a local community service to help those in need. This is a great way to meet new people and get out of the house, and it's completely free. Call your local community center, SPCA, American Cancer Society, or college campus and ask about volunteering opportunities. You can also go online to look up what volunteer organizations are local to your area.[19]
- Mix up your social life with something new or surprising. A boring nightlife is usually the result of a stale social scene. When you see the same people at the same bar, movie theater, or restaurant every weekend, things can get dull. Go to a new dance club, see live theater, or go camping to try something new and eliminate the boredom from your nightly routine.[20]
- Look up a calendar of events in your local newspaper or stop by your community center to see what major events are going on in your town. Search online to see if any local schools, clubs, or other organizations that interest you have a calendar of scheduled events.
- Camp out in your backyard to change your sleeping environment. Simply sleeping under the stars can be a new and entertaining experience that will eliminate boredom in a heartbeat. Watch the stars, listen to the sounds of night animals, and enjoy the fresh, cool air under the moonlight with family and friends. If the weather conditions are good, the most you might need is a simple sleeping bag and a pillow to enjoy a night under the stars.[21]
- Just make sure to check the weather before committing to sleeping outside to avoid getting rained on.
EditStopping Boredom before It Happens - Use your imagination to transform your environment. Regardless of your environment, your brain is always around to entertain you. Your imagination can take you on wondrous adventures, or even spark an idea for a new hobby. Never underestimate the power of your imagination, and what you can create with it.[22]
- Try creating an imaginary world. You can spend countless hours imagining what the inhabitants look like or do, and even imagine new animals or a new ecosystem. This can be a silly project for an afternoon or the beginning of a new story or series of art pieces.
- Be curious about the world around you by exploring your town. A curious mind can easily avoid boredom by simply taking an interest in something new. An easy place to start is to explore and examine your community. You might just discover something you never knew about your town, and it may lead to ideas for new activities.[23]
- Wonder about the architecture around your town. How was that building designed? Who painted the graffiti down the street? What techniques went into making the clothes in the window?
- Act spontaneously to break familiar habits or patterns. Overthinking the situation is often a big blockade to getting over boredom. Trying to find the "perfect" activity is a sure-fire way to do no activity at all, so stop thinking and do something. Try being spontaneous and divert from your typical habits or thinking patterns. Being spontaneous lends your life an air of surprise that makes everything less boring.[24]
- Call a friend you haven't spoken with and see if they want to hang out.
- Put on shoes and go walking, and turn into the café you've always wanted to try.
- Practice mindful meditation to avoid becoming bored easily. It is easy to become bored or restless when standing in line, waiting for a friend, or during other short periods of time when you can't find an activity. Sometimes, distracting yourself by reading a book or using your cell phone is not enough to cure this problem. Meditation is the art of focusing on your thoughts and mind, and enjoying the little things around you instead of feeling restless or bored.[25]
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| How to Make Mashed Potatoes Posted: 17 Nov 2018 08:00 AM PST Mashed potatoes are simple and easy to prepare. They make a great side dish to just about any dinner but go especially well with steak or turkey. You can make simple mashed potatoes using milk and butter or richer ones using sour cream. You can even make baked mashed potatoes for something extra special! Once you have the basics down, you can experiment with adding your own spices, herbs, and variations! EditIngredients EditBasic Mashed Potatoes[1] - 2½ pounds (1.2 kilograms) potatoes (Yukon gold or Russet)
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk or half-and-half
- ½ tablespoon + 1 tsp salt, divided
EditSour Cream Mashed Potatoes[2] - 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut
- 6 tablespoons (90 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¾ cup (190 grams) sour cream
- ¾ to 1 cup (180 to 240 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
EditBaked Mashed Potatoes[3] - 2½ pounds (1.2 kilograms) medium potatoes, peeled and cut
- 1 cup (250 grams) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter, melted
- 1½ cups (150 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup (75 grams) chopped onion
- 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
EditMaking Basic Mashed Potatoes - Put the potatoes into a large pot of water. Do not peel or cut the potatoes. Instead, scrub them clean first, then put them into a large pot. Fill the pot enough water until the water level is 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) above the potatoes.
- Keeping the potatoes whole (not peeled or cut) will prevent them from absorbing too much water. It will also help preserve their flavor and texture.[4]
- Add ½ tablespoon of salt and boil the potatoes until they are well done. Depending on the size of the potatoes, this can take as little as 30 minutes to as long as 45 to 50 minutes. The potatoes are done if you can easily pierce them with a sharp knife or fork.
- Drain the potatoes, then peel them if desired. You can leave the skins on if you wish, or you can peel them off. To do this, simply hold a potato in a potholder, then use a paring knife to pull the skin off; it should peel off easily.[5]
- Heat the butter and milk separately. Heat the butter in one saucepan, and the milk in another. For extra flavor, add the remaining salt to the milk. You will be adding the butter first, then the milk. This will help improve the texture of the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes. You can do this using a potato masher directly in the pot you cooked them in. This will also help keep them warm and you won't have to clean as many dishes. If you find mashing them difficult, cut them into smaller pieces using a knife first.
- Stir the butter into the potatoes using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the butter is mixed evenly throughout. Over time, it will get absorbed into the potatoes. When that happens, you are ready for the milk.
- Add the milk after the butter is absorbed and stir. The potatoes will appear liquidy at first, but they will eventually soak in the milk. If you are concerned about this, however, you can pour in the milk a little bit at a time, and add more after the potatoes have finished absorbing it.
- Taste the potatoes and make any adjustments if desired. At this point, you can add extra salt, pepper, and butter. For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of any of the following: chopped chives, fresh dill, garlic, paprika, fresh chopped parsley, fresh rosemary, or fresh thyme.[6][7] If you choose to use dried dill, rosemary, or thyme, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon; taste, and add more if needed.
- Serve the potatoes. Transfer them to a serving dish, and serve them while they are still hot. If you have any leftovers, cover them, and store them in the fridge.
EditMaking Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes - Peel and cut the potatoes, then put them into a large pot of water. Peel the potatoes first, then cut them into 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) cubes; this will help them cook faster. Cover the potatoes with water; make sure they are completely submerged.
- Add 2 teaspoons of salt, then cook the potatoes until they are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Bring the water to a boil first, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and leave them in the pot. This will help dry the potatoes and keep them warm.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher. Don't worry about getting them perfectly smooth just yet. You will be adding butter, milk, and sour cream later on, which will help make them smoother.
- Add the butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, and ¾ cup (180 milliliters) of the milk.[8] Stir them in using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon. Don't add in all of the milk just yet; you may not need it. The potatoes may appear too thin at first, but they will thicken up once they soak up the milk and butter.
- Taste the potatoes and make any necessary adjustments. At this point, you can add some more salt, pepper, or milk. You can also add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, such as chopped chives, or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, such as dill.
- Serve the potatoes. They taste great on their own or with some extra butter. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.
EditMaking Baked Mashed Potatoes - Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then drain them. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) cubes first, then put them into a large pot of water; the water should cover completely cover the potatoes. Cook the potatoes until they are done, about 15 to 20 minutes, then drain them.
- Mash the potatoes. Put the potatoes back into the pot, and mash them with a potato masher. Don't worry about making them perfectly smooth just yet; they will become smoother once you add the milk and sour cream.
- Add the sour cream, milk, butter, and 1 cup (100 grams) of shredded cheese. Continue mashing the potatoes until everything is evenly combined. Once the potatoes are soft, you can stir them with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. The potatoes may look soupy at first, but they will eventually soak up the liquid and thicken up. Save the remaining ½ cup (50 grams) of cheese for later.[9]
- Add the onion, bacon, salt, and pepper, and stir again. You can cook your own bacon beforehand, or you can use the pre-cooked, crumbled kind that comes from a package. Stir the potatoes until everything is evenly combined and distributed.
- Scoop the potatoes into a greased, 2-quart (2 liters) casserole dish and cover them with the remaining shredded cheese. Smooth the potatoes down first with a spatula; any peaks that are sticking up may get burned. Next, sprinkle the rest of the cheese over them. Do not stir the cheese in.
- Bake the potatoes for 30 to 35 minutes. The potatoes are ready when the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.
- Serve the potatoes. Let the potatoes cool a little first, then serve them while they are still hot. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.
- Leaving all or some of the skins on your potatoes will add extra texture and flavor, but it is not to everyone's taste.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be fried up with vegetables to make "Bubble and Squeak".
- The potatoes will cook faster if they are peeled and cut, but they will retain their texture and flavor better if you boil them whole. This prevents them from absorbing too much water.
- You can even add extra ingredients such as chives, parsley, garlic, or even chili for more flavor.
- For extra flavor, add 6 peeled garlic cloves to the water you are cooking the potatoes in.[10]
- Leave the potatoes in the pot after you are done peeling and cooking them. The heat of the pot will help dry them.[11]
- Be careful of boiling hot water when draining your potatoes.
EditThings You'll Need EditBasic Mashed Potatoes - Large pot
- Potato masher
- Two small saucepans
- Spatula or wooden spoon
EditSour Cream Mashed Potatoes - Large pot
- Potato masher
- Spatula or wooden spoon
EditBaked Mashed Potatoes - Large pot
- Potato masher
- 2-quart (2 liters) casserole dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
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| How to Check Your Car Before a Road Trip Posted: 17 Nov 2018 12:00 AM PST Planning on going on a road trip soon? Before you do so, you should check your car to make sure that it is in good condition and running well. If you spend a little time preparing your vehicle for the trip beforehand, you can avoid most problems that might ruin your fun along the way. EditInspecting Your Vehicle - Look over the vehicle for signs of issues. While there are a number of specific things you'll want to check for as you prepare your vehicle for a road trip, a general inspection is a great way to identify any issues you might otherwise miss. Check the condition of the windows, the state of the vehicle's body, and look for anything that stands out as unusual.[1]
- Make a note of any issue you spot to be sure you address them before the trip.
- This first inspection will inform the things you focus on as you continue preparing your vehicle.
- See if your windshield wipers need to be replaced. Like any part of a car, windshield wipers can wear out from use. They may also simply dry out and crack over time. Test your windshield wipers and make sure they can displace water effectively. If not, they'll need to be replaced.
- Use windshield washer fluid or some water to test the effectiveness of your wipers.
- If your windshield wipers are visibly cracked, they need to be replaced.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Driving on underinflated tires can increase the chances that you'll have a blowout by causing damage to the tire's sidewall. It will also hurt your gas mileage. On tires installed by the factory, you can find the right tire pressure in the owner's manual, but you can also find the tire's pressure rating printed on the side of each tire.[2]
- Use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure in all four tires.
- If any of the tires are low, add air until they're at their specified pressure rating.
- Test all of your exterior lights and the horn. Having working headlights and taillights are important for safe driving at night. Be sure your turn signals are functioning and check your license plate light as well. Turn on the headlights, parking lights, and turn signals, then check to ensure each is lighting up like it should. While you're testing the lights, honk the horn a few times to make sure it works too.[3]
- A blown out license plate light may not be dangerous, but it can get you pulled over.
- If you need to replace a bulb, you can usually access them from the back of the headlight or tail light assembly. Sometimes, you may need to remove screws that hold the assembly in a bracket or to the body of the vehicle itself.
- Inspect the tread on your tires. Balding tires can be more prone to blowouts and reduce the amount of traction your vehicle has when the roads are wet. Look for signs of damage on the sides of the tire, then use the "penny test" to see if there's enough tread on the tire.[4]
- Place the penny upside down in the groove of the tire and see how much of Lincoln's head you can see. If you can see further down Lincoln's head than his forehead, the tires need to be replaced.
- Check the belts for condition and tightness. Look at the serpentine or accessory belts in your engine (usually located on the front or side) and make sure there is no glazing (shiny spots) or cracking. If there are, the belt will need to be replaced. Then, pinch the belt with your thumb and forefinger and move it up and down to check its tension.[5]
- If there's more than an inch of play in the belt, it may need to be tightened or replaced.
- Ensure your air filter isn't clogged. Most vehicles can go tens of thousands of miles without needing to have the air filter replaced, but it's good to check on the condition of yours before setting out on a trip. The air filter is usually located in the air box attached to the end of an accordion looking plastic pipe often called the intake.[6]
- Most air boxes are held shut with clips. Remove them to open the box and look at the air filter.
- The filter should be free of debris and usually white. If it looks particularly dirty, replace it before closing the airbox up again.
EditAddressing Issues that May Arise - Resolve any warning lights on your dashboard. If your check engine light is lit up on your dashboard you can use an OBDII scanner to find out what error code has prompted it. Once you know what's wrong, you can make a plan to fix it.[7]
- Plug the scanner into the open plastic connector port beneath the dashboard on the driver's side.
- If the scanner doesn't provide an english description with the error code, you can find the corresponding description in a vehicle specific repair manual or often on the manufacturer's website.
- Check the oil and add more or change it, if necessary. Start by checking the oil by removing the dipstick, wiping it off with a cloth, reinserting it and removing it again. Look at the level the oil reached on the stick compared to the bottom notch (low limit) and top notch (high limit). If it's low, you will need to either add some or change the oil. [8]
- Oil that's in good condition will be translucent and slightly yellow or even greenish in color.
- To change the oil, slide a container under the oil pan that can capture the draining oil, then unscrew the drain plug (bolt at the bottom of the oil pan). Once the oil has drained completely, replace the plug and remove the oil filter. Install a new oil filter and then add the correct type and amount of oil for your vehicle, based on the information in your owner's manual.
- Top off any other fluids that may need it. Most vehicles rely on a number of different fluids and lubricants to run, ranging from coolant to stop the engine from overheating to windshield washer fluid to help wash the bugs away. Use your vehicle's owner's manual to tell you where the reservoir is for the windshield washer fluid and brake fluid, the add some if the level is below the lower mark on each reservoir, indicating its low-fill point.[9]
- Automatic transmission fluid is one of the most important ones to check before a long road trip. Use your vehicle's owner's manual to tell you where to find the dipstick, then check it like you would engine oil.
- Make sure your radiator is topped off as well by comparing its fill line to the lower limit line visible on the reservoir.
- Remove any corrosion on your battery terminals. While it can be tough to spot signs that a battery may go bad, there are things you can do to ensure your battery has a strong connection to the car's electrical system. Look for a buildup of corrosion on the battery's terminals, and if need be clean the battery terminals with a mixture of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda and 1 cup (250 ml) of water. Mix the two in a bowl, then use a toothbrush to scrub the combination into the terminals.[10]
- Rinse the terminals with a damp cloth after you're done.
- Check to make sure the strap that secures the battery in place is tight as well.
- Replace your brake pads if necessary. If your brakes have been squealing or it's been more than 50,000 miles since the last time you changed them, you may want to replace them before setting out on a long road trip. Access the brake pads by removing the wheels, then the two bolts securing the brake calipers to the vehicle. Slide the brake caliper off of the rotor, then remove the brake pads from the caliper.[11]
- Use a clamp to compress the brake caliper piston back into place before you can insert the new brake pads, then reassemble and repeat on the other wheels.
- You may also want to have your rotors machined or replaced while you do the brake pads.
EditPreparing to Depart - Clean out the trash in your car. Going on a road trip means you'll be spending a lot of time in your vehicle, and you'll need space to store things ranging from luggage to snacks. Cleaning out your car will not only make the ride more comfortable, it will help you stay organized when you need to find things.[12]
- Try to avoid packing things over your spare tire or emergency kit if you can.
- Setting off with a clean and organized car can give you added peace of mind.
- Make sure your documents are up to date. To legally drive in the United States, you'll need to have at least a valid driver's license and an up to date vehicle registration. Most states also require proof of insurance. Find out what the requirements are where you'll be traveling, and make sure you meet them.[13]
- Driving without the appropriate documentation can lead to fines or even having your car impounded.
- Keep those important documents somewhere you can easily access in case you get pulled over.
- Assemble an emergency kit. At the very least, you should have the tools you need to change a flat tire (emergency jack, tire iron, and spare tire) but you may want to prepare for other potential emergencies as well. Other things you may want are jumper cables, road flares, extra blankets, water, food, rain gear, or a flashlight.[14]
- It's also a good idea to carry a first aid kit.
- You may want to tailor some emergency supplies to your family or time of year. For instance, you may want to carry cat litter to help on slippery roads during the winter.
- You can get most commercial oil change facilities to do all of this for you at a (semi) reasonable cost.
- If you are driving into remote areas ALWAYS ensure you have plenty of fuel in your tank, plenty of bottled drinking water, and ensure that someone knows how long you expect be gone.
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