It’s that time of year again. With lower gas prices making a vacation road trip a more affordable proposition this year, about 60 percent of Americans plan to drive 50 miles or more from home in the months ahead, according to the AAA in Orlando, Fla.
Of course there are any number of vehicles out there that can adequately do the job in terms of performance and passenger comfort, but true road warriors want to reach their respective destinations of rest and retreat as expeditiously as possible.
Thus we wondered which models not only boast the longest operating range on a tank of fuel – and concurrently get among the best fuel economy in their respective classes – but still afford a roomy and accommodating interior for at least four adult passengers, with enough cargo room left over for their belongings.
To that end we consulted the Environmental Protection Agency’s fueleconomy.gov website to determine operating ranges and compute fill-up costs for a wide range of vehicles and came up with a list of 10 midsize sedans and sport-utility vehicles that can consume the highway for at least 600 miles at a stretch on a single tank of fuel.
We’re featuring them in the accompanying slideshow with full details.
Unfortunately not all of us can afford to buy or lease a new vehicle specifically to facilitate a cross-country holiday, so if you’re going to headed to the highways this summer, it’s paramount to ensure the family’s current ride will be able to take the heat, so to speak.
At the least, follow this quick vehicle checklist before heading out for an extended interstate excursion:
♦ Have the vehicle’s oil and filter changed with the change of seasons.
♦ Inspect the battery and ensure the cable connections are tight and that the terminals are free from corrosion. If the battery is several years old, consider buying a new one as a preventive measure.
♦ Examine the engine’s drive belts for cracks or fraying; if worn have them replaced, or have this done regularly at 60,000-mile intervals. Likewise, check hoses for leaks and cracks or loose clamps; give them a squeeze and replace those that are brittle or feel spongy.
♦ Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires for uneven and excessive tread wear and suspect cracks or cuts in the sidewall.
♦ Keep the tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation and check them regularly via a good quality air pressure gauge.
♦ Check brake, transmission and power steering fluid levels, topping off as necessary. Have the engine’s air and fuel filters changed according to the manufacturer’s service interval, or as otherwise required, and likewise have belts and hoses checked out to ensure they’re not cracked or frayed.
♦ Finally, replace the windshield wipers, which tend to take a beating from snow, ice and road grit over the course of a long winter. And don’t forget to refill the windshield washing fluid reservoir and keep an extra jug in the trunk.
To see the original article go to Forbes.com.
