The RoadIs Calling: Five Tips For Your Best RoadTrip Yet (NAPSA)—Thethrill of sum- mer beckons—days are longer, skies are clearer and spirits are higher. Nothing beats driving down a long stretch of highway enjoying breathtaking views, good tunes and memory-making adventures with your loved ones. Before putting the pedal to the metal, there are a few things travelers can do to prepare for a worry-free and fun family road trip. Whetherit’s an epic vacation or an ambitious daytrip, if you follow a few simple steps from Les Schwab Tire Centers’ experts, you can prepare for a safe trip. When the rubber meets the road,it’s cru- cial that all drivers ensure they have adequate traction by checking their tires’ tread depth and air pressure. Once the tires are checked, consider these additional tips so you can spend more time and money enjoying the journey. 1. Don’t get sidelined Even with the most thorough preparation, you may still encounter a setback. Getting back on the road quickly and safely will be your top priority. You can minimize any delay or cost with just two simple steps: Check the air pressure of your spare tire—it won’t do you any good to findit’s flat when you needit. * Call your auto insurance agent to check your coverage—if you break down on the road without the proper tools, you may be able to avoid having to pay out of pocket to get towed. 2. Prepare for curveballs If you're traveling with young children, it’s especially important to plan ahead in case you get stuck on the road. Whetherit’s a short 100-mile trip or a long haul, pay attention to local weather and road condition advisories and plan your route aheadof time. For upto-date travel conditions, visit http:/Jesschwab.com/resources/roadconditions and get directed to local departmentof transportation road cams, mileage calculators, scenic byway routes and weather forecasts. In case the unexpected happens, pack your trunk with warm clothes, a couple of flashlights, extra food and water, and a few of the family’s favorite games. Keep- _ A few simple precautions can take youfar on your next roadtrip. ing spirits high and avoiding any hungry temper-tantrums will help make the best of a stressful situation. The preparation doesn’t stop there. A roadside safety kit, which should include gloves, jumper cables, essential tools, flares, a first-aid kit and a blanket, will ensure you can handle any detour. 3. Get your bearings If you’re hauling a boat, RV or horse trailer, you’ll need to check up on more than your vehicle’s condition. Most drivers remember to examine their pickup truck’s tires, bearings and brakes before a long haul, but many forget the trailer’s. Make sure everything is in working order before you hit the road. 4, Make the most of the view Check to see that the windshield wiper blades are in good, clean, working condition and that there is plenty of wiper fluid. We've all been stuck behind a big rig on the road that’s shooting dirt and rocks at the window. You won’t want to run out of wiper fluid when you need it most. Maintaining goodvisibility is key to staying safe. 5. Cover your bases Not sure where to start? Take advantage of your local Les Schwab Tire Center’s complimentary Pre-Trip Safety Check. You don’t need an appointment to have a tire care professional check the tires’ air pressure and tread depth, do a visual alignment check, and also check the car’s brakes, shocks and battery, all while you enjoy free popcorn and coffee. For more information on how Les Schwab tire experts can help you gear up for your road trip, visit http://lesschwab.com/.
