Memorial Day Road Trip Preps, Must Carry Items and Mileage Tips
Local Experts With Ways to Stay Safe Through Summer
(PHOENIX)– Nearly nine out of ten Memorial Day travelers will hit the road, according to AAA. In Arizona, that includes more than 625,000 people traveling at least 50 miles. Valley auto repair experts are available to discuss a variety of tips to keep families safe on the road this weekend – and all summer.
Road Trip Checklist
• Check fluids, wipers, hoses and belts
• Check battery -Heat evaporates battery fluids, which can speed up corrosion.
• Check air conditioning – If it’s running a little warm, you might be low in refrigerant or have a loose drive belt. It could also be clogged valves or filters, slow leads in components or hoses or clogs in the condenser.
• Check tires – According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, 85 percent of drivers don’t know how to properly inflate their tires.
• Check lighting – turn signals, headlights and brake lights
Must carry items in case of breakdown:
- Charged cell phone
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Reflective warning triangles
- Foam tire sealant
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and batteries
- Duct tape
- Gloves and rags
- Water and snacks
- Umbrella (In AZ for shade more often than rain)
Maximize Your Mileage
Arizonans will pay $3.50 per gallon, 6 cents more than last Memorial Day, according to AAA.
- Slow down. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each 5 miles per hour over 60 is like paying an extra 24 cents per gallon.
- Avoid sudden starts and stops. If you see a red light, ease up and coast rather than wait to brake. When the light turns green, gently accelerate. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates aggressive driving can lower your car’s fuel economy by 33 percent.
- Properly inflate tires and you can improve fuel economy up to 3 percent. Surveys show most drivers don’t know how to properly check tire pressures. Follow the levels recommended by the automaker.
- Get the junk out of your trunk. A heavier car vehicle uses more fuel.
- Do not be a drag. Even an empty roof rack will negatively effect efficiency.
- Keep up to date on maintenance. A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which hinders performance.
NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals): The Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops.NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Visit www.NARPRO.com or call 602.257.0033 to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.