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Drive, drag, dash, motor, start, run, race, roll, travel, cruise, crawl, fire it up, lean on it, step on it, on your mark, get set, go!
The summer road-trip season is upon us. Here are some tips from such sources as Consumer Reports, Edmunds and AAA to help ensure that this year's trip is one you'll always remember, rather than one you'll want to forget.
The art of packing
Placement: The heaviest items should be placed closest to the center of the car. In SUVs, place the heaviest items on the floor to maintain safe handling.
Lockdown: Secure loose items, and remove them from the rear parcel shelf so they don't hit passengers in a panic stop.
Spare change: As you pack the trunk, remember that you might have to unpack it to access the spare tire.
Line of sight: Keep your rear view clear, no matter how large the load.
In good order: If you use road maps, stack them in the order of use.
Heavy load: Make sure the combined weight of passengers and cargo doesn't exceed your vehicle's maximum load capacity. Too much weight can overtax vehicle systems and lead to a serious accident.
Maximum weights are listed in your owner's manual; they vary by vehicle and are lower than you might expect. A four-cylinder Honda Accord has a load capacity of 850 pounds. A Toyota Highlander can carry up to 1,200 pounds, while a Honda Odyssey is rated at 1,320 pounds, according to Consumer Reports.
Entertainment options
For the kids: Along with favorite toys and books, consider packing pillows and blankets for naps. A portable DVD player or an iPod might also be good.
For yourself: Take along your CDs, DVDs, DVD player, iPod, satellite radio or audiobooks. Or ...
Leave it all at home: Use the time for family bonding.
Worst-case scenarios
Contact information: Give someone a trip itinerary so you be can located in an emergency.
Important papers: Don't forget your driver's license, vehicle registration, and auto and medical insurance cards. If you might need to reach your doctor, take his or her phone number, along with any prescriptions.
Just in case: Have your travel partner carry a spare set of vehicle keys.
And of course: You are taking a cellphone with car charger, right?
Be prepared: A breakdown, flat tire or other inconvenience can occur at any time. Preassembled emergency and first-aid kits are available at auto-parts stores, but you might want to augment them.
Hit the road
For notable routes in all 50 states, check out USA Today's top recommended summer drives from A to W.
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