Page 29 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2020

Spring Break Road Trip Checklist
You’ve made it through the fall semester, a cold winter and spring midterms: now it’s time to take a well-earned break. You’ve booked your hotel, bought your new swimsuit and you’re ready to let loose. Before you hit the road, a vehicle check-up will make sure the party doesn’t start without you.
Here are five tips to help you arrive safely, with plenty of time to load your story with good times and great friends.
Inspect Your Car Battery – The battery is the lifeforce for your car. When it dies, you’re stuck. Most of the time, there’s no warning that your battery is failing. Call AAA to test your current battery and verify it is ready for the road trip. If not, a service technician can replace your battery on the spot.
Change Your Oil and Check Your Fluids – If the battery is the lifeforce of your car, then its fluids are the lifeblood. Your vehicle has six essential fluids that keep it rolling. Have the oil changed and fluids checked for the radiator, brakes, power steering, transmission and windshield wiper.
Check Your Brakes – The most important safety feature on your car is the brakes. Bad brakes can cause serious crashes. Have your brakes inspected by
an Automotive Service Excellence technician at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Visit AAA.com/AAR to find a location near you.
Keep Your Tires Rolling – One of the most common reasons for a road trip fail is a flat tire. Before you head out, check the treads, making sure they are 1/16th of an inch and evenly worn. You also need to check the air in each tire with a pressure gauge. Most cars recommend 32-35 psi in the tires. Check the sticker inside your driver’s door to find the right psi for your vehicle.
Download the AAA Mobile App – Download the AAA Mobile app and add this contact in your phone: 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357). If something does go wrong while you’re on the road, AAA is here to help 24/7. We’ll come to you and get you on the go.
These necessary check-ups will help you get to your spring break destination without any major vehicle hurdles. A little preparation will make sure the only thing you need to worry about is not missing a spot with the sunscreen.
Club Assist is the Preferred Supplier for the American Automobile Association and the Canadian Automobile Association Mobile Battery Service Program. Club Assist partners with AAA/CAA Clubs in support of their more than 60 million members, providing automotive batteries, tools, technology solutions, marketing services and battery service training for technicians. Visit www.clubassist.com.
MAR/APR 2020 I 29
SAFETY ZONE
Photo: Shutterstock: Poznyakov