With Memorial Day almost upon us, and temperatures soaring in much of the mid- and southwest, it’s the time of year when families across the United States begin taking off on summer road trips. Most of the time, our highways and byways are perfectly safe, and the average car, in good repair, shouldn’t suffer much harm, but just in case, here are some tips to help keep things smooth while you travel away from home:
Pack lightly: Did you know that an extra hundred pounds of cargo in the back of your car reduces fuel economy by up to 2%? To avoid this (and save time hauling luggage from the car to the hotel room), pack only what you really need, and be sure not to overload your car. If you’re not sure what the maximum load is, check your owner’s manual. Remember that weight limits apply to anything, such as a boat or a camper, that you may be towing, as well.
Stay in Tune: Before you leave for your trip – even before you pack – visit a mechanic you trust, and make sure your car is properly tuned. Pay special attention to brakes, tires, and the fuel system, including changing the oil, if it’s due to be done.
Use a Filter: A clogged air filter can reduce your car’s mileage by up to 10 percent, so be sure to check yours and change it if necessary, before you leave.
Check Your Cap: Statistics say that roughly 17 percent of the vehicles on the road have either missing or mis-used gas caps, which causes millions of gallons of gas to evaporate, so before you leave, make sure your gas cap fits correctly and isn’t damaged, and check the seal for a tight fit every time you fill up.
Stay Calm: A back seat full of children who want to know, “are we there yet?” can make anyone put on some speed, but try to resist the urge. Aggressive driving wastes fuel and reduces your fuel economy to the tune of 33% on the highway and 5% in city traffic, so stick to the speed limit.
Are You Covered? One final tip: Before you leave home, review your auto insurance policy to see what kind of emergency coverage you may have. If roadside assistance isn’t part of your plan, consider joining an auto club like AAA, at least for the duration of your trip. Also, remember to confirm that your insurance card and your agent’s information are stashed in the glove box…just in case.