AAA Urges Memorial Day Travelers to be Road Ready
Phoenix, Ariz. May 21, 2008 – With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, thousands of Arizonans are getting ready to hit the road to escape the heat and enjoy the first three-day weekend of the summer. In order to ensure a smooth summer road trip over the upcoming holiday or throughout the summer, AAA Arizona would like to remind motorists to make sure their vehicle is ready for the road.
Last year, AAA’s Emergency Road Service came to the aid of 3,740 stranded Arizona motorists over Memorial Day weekend, with 41 percent of those calls requiring tow service. The other most common service calls were flat tires (20 percent), jump starts and battery service (18 percent) and lockout or locksmith assistance (18 percent). The remaining three percent of calls required fuel delivery or extrication, as well as other intricate services provided by the auto club.
“Having your vehicle professionally inspected is vital prior to embarking on summer road travel,” said Don Nunnari, vice president of membership products and services for AAA Arizona. “Unfortunately, vehicle maintenance is something that often goes overlooked by motorists. However, those who take the proper preventative measures can dramatically reduce their chances of having their Memorial Day weekend interrupted or ruined.”
Planning and preparation are essential to a memorable Memorial Day road trip. To ensure a trouble-free trip, AAA recommends the following to motorists:
- Check your fluids. Make sure that your engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant level and brake fluid are at their proper levels. If the mileage for a manufacturer-recommended service interval will be reached while on your trip, have the necessary work done before you leave rather than waiting until after you return home.
- See and be seen. Consider replacing your windshield wipers if you have not done so within the last six months, as wipers dry and crack easily given Arizona’s desert climate. Also make sure all vehicle lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are functioning properly.
- Check belts and hoses. The belts and hoses on your vehicle should be inspected at least every oil change, which is roughly every 3,000 miles. Replace any belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed. Likewise, replace any belts that have soft spots or bulges or are leaking around clamps and the water pump.
- Tire care. As the only part of your car that actually makes contact with the road, tires are one of the most important components on your vehicle. Before setting out, check and adjust tire pressure to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings, including the spare. Also, check the sidewalls for bulges and check the tread for excessive or uneven wear that indicates the need for wheel alignment and/or replacement.
- Travel safe. Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a friend or family member at home. Make sure you alert them of any last-minute changes to your plans in case they need to reach you in an emergency. Also, be sure to pack a cell phone and car charger and program important phone numbers, such as AAA into your cell phone.
- Pack smart. Do not over pack your vehicle. Limit any load on top of your vehicle to a maximum of 18” high and no more than 100 pounds. Make sure that all cargo is properly secured to prevent it from shifting while in route.
”Even with proper care and maintenance, your vehicle may still experience a problem and leave you stranded. In these instances, an emergency roadside kit can help fix the problem, or at least make the wait for service more comfortable,” said Nunnari. “The kit should include items such as a flashlight and extra batteries, flares, jumper cables, basic repair tools and lots of water.”
Motorists looking for an honest and reliable auto repair facility to conduct a vehicle inspection or repairs can visit www.aaaaz.com/auto to browse 155 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across the state.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAAZ.com.
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