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  • Baby on Board: Road Safety Tips for Baby (0-1 month old)

    Ensure a safe and bump-free trip by taking note of these guidelines and car tune-up tips.
    Published Aug 14, 2009
  • Exercising Restraint
    Keep to the “one-seatbelt-one-person” rule.
    Provide a rear-facing baby carrier for infants, a rear-facing child seat for kids up to age 3 (or 18 kg.), and a booster seat for kids ages 4 to 8. A child below age 3 needs to ride facing the back to protect the neck and spine, which have not yet developed fully and are vulnerable to injuries.

    PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR A LONG TRIP
    Check the following car parts to be certain that your ride is in perfect working condition:

    1. Fluids
    Make sure there’s always enough juice in every domain so the car can function flawlessly.
    • Engine oil
    • Transmission oil (for automatic transmission models)
    • Gasoline
    • Radiator fluid/coolant
    • Brake fluid
    • Windshield washer fluid
    • Power steering fluid
    2. Hoses and Belts
    Make sure all hoses and belts are tightly secured. Check by feel if there are cracks and abnormal wear.

    3. Tires
    Make sure treads are deep enough to ensure adequate traction.
    Check wheel alignment and balancing. This will give even wear on tires and will ensure a fine-handling car.
    Check tire pressure. The number on the tire’s sidewall is the maximum pressure it can withstand, not the recommended amount. Never inflate your tires too much as this can provoke a blowout. Don’t forget the spare tire.

    4. Lights
    Check headlights, blinkers, and interior lighting.

    5. Wipers
    Make sure all windows are clean and mirrors are at the correct angle. Check for cracks on windshield and wipers.

    6. Brakes
    Have an expert conduct a thorough inspection. If you feel your brake pedal is softer than usual, it might be a sign of abnormal deterioration.

    7. Air Filter
    The air filter, which keeps improper particles from entering, gets dirty over time, becoming less effective.

    8. Battery
    Make sure electrical and ignition systems are as good as new.

    9. Air Conditioner
    If you feel your car’s air conditioning is beginning to gasp like a tired dog, have a professional look into it.

    10. Gauges
    Ask your mechanic to examine the gauges. There are cases when gauges read incorrectly, making the driver believe his car is about to break down when it’s not, or worse, is fine when it’s about to break down.

    11. Your Car’s First Aid Kit
    Stash extra fuses, around four liters of potable water, and an extra quart of motor oil in your car trunk.
    Pack tools for emergencies and breakdowns: tire wrench and jack, screwdrivers, pliers, jumper cables, a utility knife, a flashlight, tire pump, sealant, and duct tape.


    DRIVE SAFELY

    The car’s passive safety systems can only save your precious cargo if you use them properly.
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