Over 31 million Americans hit the road during Memorial Day weekend, but approximately a quarter of million people didn't arrive to their destination without some assistance from AAA.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, AAA is predicting they'll help over eight million drivers, though there are tips the motor club has created to help drivers reach their destination safe and sound.
"The best way to avoid a breakdown during a trip is to ensure your car is properly maintained before hitting the road," said John Nielsen , AAA's Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "But unexpected breakdowns can still occur so for your safety and security, and that of your passengers, be sure to have access to a roadside assistance provider like AAA."
AAA recommends that drivers perform a number of maintenance tasks before hitting the road, here are a few they mentioned this week.
Click here to see the full list.
Service Your Battery:
Over 1.6 million drivers will experience a dead battery this summer and AAA has estimated they'll have to replace 500,000 of them just to get the car moving again. This can be avoided however by just having your battery checked by a technician before going on a long trip. Depending on where a driver lives and a driver's vehicle usage patterns, most car batteries last three to five years. If your battery is over three years old or you're not sure how old it is, it's a good idea to have it checked.
Air Conditioning Check:
Automotive air conditioning systems do not require routine maintenance, but a system that is "operating marginally" is a greater risk of failing while being used in hot weather according to AAA. If it seems like your air conditioning system's cooling capability has decreased, it would be wise to have it looked at by a technician.
Tire Inflation and Condition:
AAA advises everyone to use a quality gage to make sure each tire is inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The tire pressure recommended can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker attached to the driver's door jamb.
"Roughly one million drivers will call AAA for help with a flat tire during the summer travel season, and many of those problems could be avoided with a quick tire inspection," said Nielsen. "Begin every tire inspection with a pressure check when the tires are cold and the car has not been driven recently."
Other tips include checking tire inflation and condition, inspecting under the hood, and packing an emergency roadside kit.
The acronym S.A.F.E.T.R.I.P. was devised to help motorists remember essential tips.
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