Turn a New Leaf with a Fall Family Road Trip

With the cooler temperatures of autumn flowing in, many Americans will be hitting the roadways to discover the natural beauty that the season brings. Whether it is the taste for adventure, fall foliage, or getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday, families need to be prepared to ensure they are getting the most out of this travel season.

“When it comes to fall travel, there is no experience quite like the autumn day drive – it’s your last taste of crisp air and warm colors before the blanket of winter hibernation sets in,” says Editor in Chief of Road & Travel Magazine, Courtney Caldwell. “The keys to a successful road trip lay within the amount of preparation you do for your family and vehicle before you put either into motion.”

Nothing puts a damper on a weekend getaway like car issues that could have easily been avoided by simple maintenance to combat the effects of summer driving that may have taken a toll on your vehicle. 

The American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Motor Oil Matters program or “MOM” has been established and is committed to provide information to consumers on the importance of using quality motor oils, ensuring these quality oils are installed in cars and trucks, and verifying the oils are properly identified on invoices and receipts.  Oil-change locations and motor oil distributors that share MOM’s commitment—and submit to independent, third party auditing—have the opportunity to be recognized by MOM through the Motor Oil Matters distributor and installer licensing programs.

MOM and Caldwell recommend fall travelers arm themselves with a simple plan of action and preparation to help get to their destination:

Don’t Fall Behind On Your Vehicle:
* Change that oil:  Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine. One of the simplest steps you can take to ensure your vehicle is maintained is to change your motor oil with an API-licensed motor oil that meets your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations … consumers must be wary of deals that sound too good to be true. Make sure your value-priced oil change includes a quality motor oil. MOM has put together a checklist for consumers, to ensure they get a quality oil change.

* Breathe Free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle's life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months.

* Check your shoes: Pay attention to your tire pressure and tread depth, as they are essential for increased automotive safety and optimum driving performance. The lower the tread depth is on your tires, the less traction you will have on wet and dry roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop.

Enjoy More Than The Season:
* Keeping everyone happy: Write out a packing list for each family member. Store these lists on your computer so you can adjust them for different seasons and trips. Kids can be easily entertained during long car rides in the backseat with trivia, coloring books, games, books, assorted toys and stuffed animals.

* Stop and pop: Bathroom breaks are always a good thing — they force you to get out of the car and talk with locals. A 10-minute break every two hours also increases alertness and adds to the overall sight-seeing experience.

* Expect the unexpected: Always have a car safety kit packed for you and your family containing the following: Auto escape tool, blankets, cell phone charger, cleaning items, flashlight, jumper cables, matches, pencil and notepad, warning lights or road flares, bottled water, non-perishable items and drinks, extra (hidden) cash, and a well-equipped first aid kit.

* Keep it clean: Save and bring a handful of plastic grocery bags in the car to use for trash, damp clothes, or a ‘sick’ bag for any car-sick passengers.

For more travel tips and to read about potential fall destinations, visit www.roadandtravel.com. For more information on MOM and to download MOM’s Oil Change Checklist, to ensure you are confident when going into a shop, go to www.motoroilmatters.org

Be sure to also check them out on Facebook and Twitter (@motoroilmatters) for the most recent updates and news.

This article sponsored by Motor Oil Matters