Car
Care Tips for Fall Travel
Whether
it's a journey through the forest to capture
its changing hues; a tailgating adventure
to cheer an alma mater to victory; or
a late trek to the amusement park, fall
is becoming an increasingly popular travel
season.
In fact, according to AAA, North America's
largest motoring and leisure travel organization,
fall travel accounts for 23 percent of
all travel nationally. Increasing numbers
of travelers are vacationing in autumn
when lodging and other costs are generally
less than in summer months. The trend
toward fall trips is also prompted by
more Americans taking extended weekend
trips throughout the year, rather than
the traditional two-week summer trip,
and the desire to travel at less congested
times, AAA notes.
AAA's data shows that a family of four
taking a fall trek will spend an average
$269 per day in fuel, food, lodging and
entertainment during September, October
and November. Hit the roads with a poorly
maintained vehicle, however, and leaves
may not be the only things turning red.
"Many travelers spend hours researching
destinations, mapping routes and making
reservations at the finest inns and restaurants,
yet ruin the entire experience with a
broken belt or car tire issue that could
have been quickly and easily addressed
beforehand," said Peter Lord, executive
director, GM Service Operations. "Above
all, the number one item travelers should
pack this fall is a fully functioning
vehicle."
Fall check-ups and vehicle repairs are
especially important, said Lord, because
most owners have subjected their vehicles
to wear and tear through the peak summer
driving months, and will soon be putting
them through their paces in winter driving.
Lord recommends
the following auto repairs be
performed
before hitting the road in the fall:
-
Check
car tires (tread and pressure)
-
Replace
windshield wiper blades (summer heat
can make them brittle)
-
Fill
washer fluid
-
Check
coolant level
-
Check
oil and change if needed
Additional travel tips
-
Make
sure there's a properly inflated spare
car tire, jack, lug wrench and other
tools for changing a tire.
-
Pack a cell phone and a way to recharge
it.
-
Also:
a working flashlight with extra batteries,
emergency reflectors, sunglasses and
first-aid kit. Include a placard that
says "Call Police" in case
of trouble. Emergency kits are available
for purchase through GM Accessories.
-
Carry a spare set of vehicle keys.
-
Don't
forget proof of insurance, vehicle registration
and medical insurance cards. Birth certificates
or passports may be required for travel
into Canada and Mexico; check beforehand.
-
Leave a copy of travel plans with the
route, planned return date and contact
information with a trusted neighbor.
-
Take
prescription information for any medications
the family is taking, as well as physicians'
phone numbers.
-
Familiarize
those in the vehicle with how the OnStar
system works, if the vehicle is so equipped.
Sources:
General Motors, Goodwrench,
AAA |
