body
Florida gas prices continue to drop as nearly 2.4 million Floridians prepare to travel over the Memorial Day weekend. Florida gas prices are down 31 cents a gallon over the past 30 days, to $3.39 a gallon for regular unleaded statewide as of Tuesday morning, and just $3.30 here in Osceola County. In the past week alone, the statewide average decreased 9 cents per gallon.
“It looks like Florida drivers will spend a dollar less per gallon for gas than last Memorial Day weekend,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The statewide average should drop even further this week. However, even if pump prices spike this week, it’s unlikely to be by a large enough margin that Floridians will change their plans, already that most travel plans have been finalized by now.”
So, are you going out this long weekend? According to AAA’s Holiday Travel Forecast, more than 2.1 million Floridians will take a road trip. So make sure checking the condition of your vehicle is just as important as planning what to do when you get where you’re going, is the message from AAA.
A recent AAA survey found that 52% of Floridians plan to get a professional vehicle inspection before their summer road trips. A fifth of drivers (19%) will carry out their own inspection. Despite this, 21% of Floridians say they do not plan to have their vehicle inspected before hitting the road this summer.
“A properly maintained vehicle is critical to a successful and safe road trip,” Jenkins said. “We encourage all drivers to do a pre-trip inspection of their tires, battery, punctures, fluids and other basics. This could help prevent a breakdown before it happens.”
AAA tips to prevent car trouble
- Check your tires – At a minimum, AAA recommends checking your tires once a month and before going on a long trip. Pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tread depth. Be sure to inspect all four tires and the spare if your vehicle has one.
- Check your battery – The average life of a car battery is usually 3 to 5 years. If your engine is slow to start and/or your lights are dim, your battery may be nearing the end of its life. Visual signs of damage or corrosion are other indicators of deterioration. Drivers can request a battery checkup at an AAA car care center or an approved auto repair center. AAA can also come to a member’s location to test and, if necessary, replace the battery on site.
- Listen and feel the brakes – If you hear a noise or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
- Replace the wipers and refill the windshield wiper – Rubber squeegees naturally deteriorate over time. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 6-12 months. If the wipers streak or fail to clean the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades.
- Pour in engine oil and other fluids – Check that the engine oil, coolant and brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
- Replenish emergency kit supplies – AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Includes a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a kit basic tools, tape, gloves and shop. rags or paper towels.
AAA tips for drivers with car problems
- Shoot safely to the next exit or safe stopping point, if possible.
- If you must stop immediately, stretch your shoulder as far as possible to create more distance between the vehicle and passing traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know you’re there.
- Ask for help by phone, website or the AAA mobile app.
- Keep your vehicle as long as it is safe to do so.
- If you get out of your vehicle, watch for oncoming traffic a good time to get out and stay alert and close to the vehicle. Avoid turning your back on traffic whenever possible.
