Embarking on lengthy road trips to spend holidays with faraway loved ones has become a coveted pastime for many families. For those whose holiday tradition includes hours traveling the unpredictable open highway, the excitement surrounding the holiday season is tinged with the inevitable strain of road travel�"is the vehicle going to make it without problems? Will we spend countless hours in a traffic jam? Though not all of life’s travel inconveniences are avoidable, you can take precautions to reduce the chance that your family’s holiday travels will involve some of the most dreaded road travel setbacks.
In the scurry to pack, get children ready, wrap gifts and arrange for pet and plant care, many holiday travelers neglect getting the adequate number of hours of sleep before a long trip. Since drowsiness contributes to thousands of automobile accidents, having a cautious, alert driver is perhaps the most important safety measure a family can take to prepare for an accident free trip. Planning and packing in advance can help alleviate the last minute rush that leads too many drivers to miss out on valuable sleep prior to a long trip.
One important step that cannot be overemphasized is preparing your vehicle for the trip�"ahead of time. Even newer vehicles need to be inspected by a trained eye to ensure that they are in road trip condition. Do not wait until the last minute to have your vehicle checked. Allow enough time to have any repairs performed if needed. If you will be traveling in an area where severe winter weather is probable, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with proper gear for the climate, such as snow tires or chains. If everyone took these simple precautions before traveling, less stranded vehicles would clog the roadways and create another major travel foe�"the traffic jam.
Traffic jams evoke frustration and disrupt travel plans for many holiday travelers. Sometimes, encountering heavy traffic during the holiday travel season cannot be avoided. However, it is becoming more feasible than ever to learn what traffic conditions lay ahead so that you can redirect your planned route when conditions are adverse. Research whether there are travel information websites or phone numbers in your travel area, useful resources which provide information about routes that have traffic delays caused by construction, an accident, or unfavorable weather, for instance. Modern GPS devices are even beginning to incorporate live traffic information features that allow motorists to avert traffic jams altogether.
Even after your vehicle has been thoroughly checked and undergone any necessary repairs, it is still a good idea to have an emergency kit that contains items such as flashlights, blankets, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and an inflated spare tire to protect the family if all does not go as planned.
With so many wonderful and interesting U.S. cities, an increasing number of Americans are forgoing international travel in favor of road trips to the beach, mountains, and other domestic hotspots. If you count yourself among them, make sure your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the wide, open road. The following list of summer maintenance check points will help ensure a safe ride to your vacation destination.
1. There's a lot riding on your tires?make sure they can handle it. If your tires are still in good shape, prevent unnecessary wear by rotating them whenever you change the oil. (RK Toyota technicians recommend a rotation every 6,000 miles.) If the tread on your tires is fairly worn, consider replacing them before departing. If you see the "wear bars" (rubber strips that usually are darker than the tire), replace your tires immediately. RK Toyota technicians also maintain that proper tire inflation is vital. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the proper pressure.
2. Like tires, brakes are crucial to your family's safety. RK Subaru technicians advocate having brakes checked whenever tires are rotated. If your brakes make unusual squealing or grinding noises when you hit them, or if the steering wheel pulls to one side, you might need new brakes. If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), as most recent models do, pay attention to your dashboard indicators. If, after about 2 seconds, the ABS light goes out, the system is in good working order. If the light stays on, have a mechanic check your brakes.
3. Pay attention to belts and hoses to decrease the risk of a breakdown. Fan belts, which used to last about a year, are now much more durable, so people tend to neglect them. However, RK Subaru technicians report that belts and hoses are the second-biggest cause of auto breakdowns after failed batteries. Have the belts and hoses checked during an oil change or other service visit.
Our list continues with 3 more auto maintenance check points to address before leaving for your summer road trip. A little preventive maintenance is the first step towards making your vacation more pleasant.
4. Batteries die in the summer too. Dead batteries are not just a wintertime nuisance. According to the RK Subaru service department, batteries deteriorate even faster in hot weather. Before your summer trip, have your battery checked by a professional, especially if it is over three years old.
5. Seat belts save lives--make sure they work well. Your belts should unreel smoothly when you pull them, and retract securely around you after you fasten the latch. If your belt is not fitting snugly, check the "retractor" (a spool-like device near the floor) for stuck debris. On older cars, make sure the belts are not frayed or torn.
6. Compensate for a heavy load. If you are towing a boat or trailer, or hauling an excessive number of passengers or luggage, adjustments may be in order. The RK Scion Service Department recommends that you consult your owner's manual on how to compensate for extra heavy loads. If you own a high-riding sport utility vehicle or minivan, avoid using a roof cargo carrier, which raises the center of gravity and increases the risk of a rollover.
Address these basic maintenance check points even if you're not planning any out-of-town trips. You'll reduce the risk of a road-side emergency, save time and money, and ultimately make your summer more enjoyable.
Both Greg Chapman & Tom Kline are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Greg Chapman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Brakes, Cars and Air Filters. About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of . For more information please visit. Greg Chapman's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
Tom Kline has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Free Credit Report Score and Infertility. ? 2006 RK Auto GroupTom Kline is Controller of RK Auto Group (RK Buick, RK Chevrolet, RK Subaru, RK Scion and RK Toyota).. Tom Kline's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.