Dream Vacation Or Nightmare RoadTrip? Pre-Trip Vehicle Check Can MakeTheDifference (NAPS)—Roadtrip car trouble can be a real nightmare but performing a pre-trip vehicle check can help you avoid a vacation breakdowndisaster. Before you hit the road, the Car Care Council recommends a vehicle check to help avoid the inconvenience, potential safety hazards and unplanned expense of breaking down miles away from home. Check the tires including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheelalignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. Check the hoses and belts as they can becomecracked,brittle, frayed, loose or show signsof excessive wear. These arecritical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air-conditioning, power steering and the cooling system. Checkfilters and fluids including engine oil, power steering and brake, and transmission, as well as windshield washersolvent and antifreeze/coolant. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working prop- erly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly whendriving during precipitation. Check the brakes and battery to be sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free and that the brakes are functioning properly. “A pre-trip inspection gives Checking on a few things before your road trip can help keep you on the road to a goodtime. motorists peace of mind by reducing the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by a trusted technician before hitting the road,” explained Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. The Car Care Council also recommendsthat motorists restock their emergency kit, consider a pre-trip tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy, and ordera free copy of the Car Care Council’s popular “Car Care Guide” for the glove box at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.
