More than 1.1 million Michigan residents are expected to take a Memorial Day road trip. Unfortunately, thousands of them will have car problems. Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 483,000 stranded motorists over the holiday weekend. The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts.
A recent AAA Consumer Pulse survey found that 37 percent of Michigan residents planning a summer road trip will get a professional vehicle inspection before their trip. Three out of ten drivers will do their own inspection. However, 23% say they don’t plan to have their vehicle inspected before hitting the road this summer.
“A well-maintained vehicle is critical to a successful and safe road trip,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “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.”
Tips for drivers with car problems
– Pull the shoulder as far as possible to create more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic.
– Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know you’re there.
– If you can safely get to the next exit or stop, do so.
– Call for support by phone, website or AAA Mobile app.
– Stay with your vehicle whenever it is safe to do so.
– If you get out of your vehicle, watch for oncoming traffic for a good while to get out and stay alert and close to the vehicle. Avoid turning your back on traffic whenever possible.
Tips to prevent car problems
– 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 the 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 vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
– Replace wipers and refill windshield cleaner – Rubber wipers 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.
– Top off engine oil and other fluids – Check that 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.
– Stock up on 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.
Safe driving tips
– Preparing your vehicle is one thing. It is also important that drivers are personally prepared to focus on the road. AAA provides the following safe driving habits as a reminder to drivers:
– Watch your speed: For more than two decades, speeding has been implicated in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Be sure to drive the speed limit and slow down if conditions warrant.
– Watch the road – Distracted drivers kill thousands of people every year. Taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles the risk of an accident. Potential distractions include using a cell phone, eating, drinking, or interacting with other passengers. Focusing on the road allows drivers to spot and avoid potential hazards that might otherwise lead to a crash.
– Rest – Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. AAA recommends that drivers get plenty of rest before a long road trip. During the ride, take breaks every 100 miles or two hours. Drivers should stop if they are tired.
– Drive sober: Drugs and alcohol have a negative impact on important brain functions needed to drive safely: judgment, motor skills, memory and reaction time. AAA urges everyone to avoid driving after ingesting any substance that could affect their ability to drive.
– Tips for drivers:
– Stay alert – Avoid distractions and focus on driving.
– Watch for emergency vehicles, including tow trucks, that have their lights on, as well as cars that have their turn signals on. Move into a lane when you see them, and if you can’t move, slow down to pass them safely.
– Be a good passenger – Help identify road issues and remind the driver to slow down and move.
– Watch for people on the side of the road – People may be in or near a disabled vehicle.
Just because you don’t see them right away doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
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