NAPA's Tips For Summer Road-Trips
25 May 1999
NAPA's Tips For Summer Road-Trips; Pre-Trip Inspection is Crucial for Beating the Heat and Heavy Highway Miles ATLANTA, May 24 -- Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of
the summer travel season and millions of Americans will be hitting the road
for sizzling adventures. The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA)
strongly recommends travelers thoroughly prepare their vehicles for the summer
heat to avoid unwelcome car failure and minimize risk to personal and family
safety.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy an estimated 1.4 trillion road
miles will be traveled this summer, up 2.1 percent from last year.
"Summer road trips add wear and tear to our vehicles. The extra miles in
addition to scorching temperatures are a problematic combination," said Jim
Kiple, director of technical services for NAPA. "Tires, radiator hoses and
engine belts often give out during these hot highway miles, which is probably
the fastest way to ruin a great vacation."
To reduce the risk of hot-weather breakdowns, NAPA recommends the
following checklist. NAPA also recommends travelers call their automotive
technician to schedule any needed maintenance or repair at least one week
prior to departure.
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist:
* Fluids. Check fluid levels under the hood: oil, coolant, brake fluid,
windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and battery fluid.
* Wiper Blades. Replace worn blades to help safely navigate during
summer rains.
* Tires. Make sure all tires (including the spare) are properly
inflated. Look for uneven tread wear and bulges. Most roadside
emergencies are due to blowouts. If it has been more than a year since
the last tire rotation, take the car to an ASE-certified technician and
have the tires rotated and balanced. Also have the alignment checked.
* Belts & Hoses. Check for visible cracks or bulges and have any
suspicious belts or hoses replaced by a certified technician. If belts
or hoses are four years old or more replace them anyway.
* Lights & Horn. Test the brake lights, turn signals and headlights to
make sure they work properly and have enough illumination. Change any
weak bulbs. Also tap the horn a few times to make sure it will blow
every time it's needed.
Safety Supplies & Equipment:
* Tool Box. There are many compact, all-purpose tool kits on the market,
but the most important items can probably be found around the house:
blade screwdriver and Phillips-head screwdriver, pliers, a knife, and
duct tape. Always carry a jack and know how to use it! Also carry
jumper cables, flares, a flashlight and a crescent wrench.
* Water. A gallon jug of water could mean the difference between being
stranded on the side of the road and making it to the next exit. When
taking scenic highways instead of interstates, it's recommended that
motorists carry two gallons of water.
* First Aid Kit. In addition to Bandaids(R) and Bactine(R), carry
sterile gauze pads, a small roll of medical tape and burn ointment just
in case a mishap occurs when checking under the hood. Make sure the
kit has a triple antibiotic skin ointment and bug bite repellent, as
well.
Roadside Emergency Numbers:
Motorists are advised to keep these two phone numbers in the car, just in
the event of a breakdown or roadside emergency. AAA members may call
1-800-222-4357 for a tow. And to find the closest repair shop with ASE-
certified technicians and a national warranty program, call 1-800-LET-NAPA.
There are 9,300 independently owned NAPA AutoCare Centers around the country
that motorists can count on for honest car repair.
Comfort Zone:
* Beat the heat and prevent beverage and food stains by putting towels
down on the seats.
* Take a "pit stop" every two to three hours to stretch, rotate seats and
alternate drivers.
* Wear cotton, loose fitting clothing that breathes well.
Guide to Family Fun:
Easy Auto-edibles:
* Chilled veggie slices are crunchy and tasty.
* Low-salt, non-buttered popcorn (low-salt keeps down thirst; non-
buttered keeps grease off fingers.)
* Whole grain crackers like Triscuits(R) or cereal such as Cheerios(R)
can help satisfy a hunger pain until the next meal.
* Chilled water - at least one quart per passenger. Stay away from sodas
and sweet juices: carbonated beverages require more pit stops and sweet
juice drinks can increase thirst.
Car Captains:
Keep older children enthusiastic about the road trip by giving them travel
duties and let them rotate jobs so that everyone gets to have fun!
* Junior Navigator: Responsible for keeping the family on course.
Parents can give a child a map with the route highlighted from home to
the final destination.
* Road Reporter: Responsible for keeping a diary of sights seen. Also
responsible for recording family comments, favorite happenings and
funny mishaps.
