Do pre-trip vehicle check before hitting the road

If you are hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend, you will have lots of company. With millions of Americans taking road trips, the last thing you need is car trouble. A simple pre-trip vehicle inspection helps ensure a safe and stress-free holiday journey, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

"According to AAA, more than 37 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the highest in 10 years, and over 88 percent of them will go by car, an increase of 5.3 percent over last year," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "While it won't solve a traffic jam, a quick vehicle inspection can help you avoid the hassle and unexpected cost of a breakdown away from home."

The non-profit Car Care Council suggests a driveway inspection of the following items before your holiday road trip to make sure your car is road ready. If you find your vehicle needs service, repairs can be performed before your weekend journey begins.

• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loosened or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
• Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation. Keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

The Car Care Council's newly redesigned 80-page Car Care Guide can be ordered free-of-charge at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. Available in English and Spanish, the popular guide features helpful information about maintaining your vehicle for safety, dependability and value.

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 a free copy of the council's popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.  

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