Jeeping

Closely inspect the inner workings of your vehicle and make sure that the following parts are in good working condition and you don't hear any strange noises coming from these areas:

Axles & Differentials - hubs, seals, vacuum lines, shift motors, vent lines, front u-joints

Battery - clean terminals, check for damaged or corroded wiring

Brakes - drums, rotors, pads/shoes, fluid, hoses, leaks, check your emergency brake, brake lights

Belts & Hoses - look for cracks or bulges

Body & Frame - look for cracks

Cooling/Heating System - look for leaks, fluid levels, clean and repair fins, check hoses, thermostat, radiator cap

Driveline/Transmission - inspect case and shifter, leaks, fluids, universal & cv joints, skid plates

Engine - carburetor, fuel injectors, spark plugs, wires, pcv valve, pumps, spark plugs, distributor & wires, belts; check for leaks and cracks

Exhaust - muffler, tailpipe

Fluids - oil, transmission, brake, radiator coolant, gear oils, wipers, power steering

Lights - headlights, brake lights, auxiliary lights; make sure they're aimed properly

Nuts & Bolts - tighten axle u-bolts, lug bolts, nuts

Steering - check alignment, fluid level, belts and hoses, pump and reservoir for leaks

Suspension - springs, shocks, alignment, wheel bearings, steering linkage

Tires - tighten lug nuts, air pressure, tread wear (including your full-size spare), look for cuts and missing chunks

Wipers - check for wear, washer fluid level

Lastly, make sure you know the vehicle requirements for the places where you'll be driving.

For example, years ago we took our stock Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to Tellico -- only to get stuck. You really need to have some lift on your vehicle in order to ride there.