Summer Road Trip Travel Tips
Car Maintenance:
Consider having your car checked by an automotive technician before a long trip. An ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure.
Check the tires regularly for uneven or excessive tread wear. Make sure all items, including the spare, are inflated properly. Do at least one check BEFORE hitting the road, as tires hot from driving give inaccurate inflation readings.
Check the coolant level and condition, making certain the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant is present.
Check the level and condition of the engine oil. If driving under extreme conditions – such as very hot summer weather or pulling a heavy trailer – you may want to consider switching to an oil with higher viscosity. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Look for worn, cracked, blistered or soft belts or hoses. Always perform this check with the engine off.
Hot weather can shorten the life of a car’s battery – if there’s concern, have it tested by a qualified automotive technician
Carry an emergency kit with a flashlight, extra batteries, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables, a first-aid kit and extra water.
Don’t let the gas level get below one-quarter of a tank.
Select your route on a map ahead of time and study it to know exactly where you’re going. If you have a smart phone- use the new AAA MOBILE app.
Reserve all accommodations in advance.
Lock your car when you leave it and keep valuables out of sight.
Secure children and adults in safety seats, booster seats or seat belts as required by law.
Bring books, games, or music for the ride, and a pillow so passengers can sleep.
Bring information on your destination to make the most of your trip.
AAA hopes you have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. For more information, visit AAA clubs at AAA.com.
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