Summer is winding down but there is still plenty of time to round up the kids and go on a good ol' fashion family ROAD TRIP! To insure that you get the most MPG on this long trip and to insure safety, here is a check list to review before going on any trip.
CAR
Tune Up: If your car hasn't had a tune up lately, now is the time. Have our certified service technicians check your brakes, filters, and change the oil. check your brake lights, headlights, and turning signals for you.
Tires: Make sure your tires are at the proper pressure and have good tread. Bald tires can cause skids and blowouts, and that's definitely not something you want to worry about heading down the highway. Come in to get a full lesson on tier safety.
Fluids: Besides the oil, you want to make sure your washer fluid is topped off and your radiator is properly filled.
YOU
Keys: Have an extra set of car keys in your purse or in your pocket. You never know when you may lock your keys in the car, and there may be no one to help you if you are far from home.
Maps: Have maps of each state you may be passing through. You might have a GPS that you relay on, but technology is known to fail. It is not a bad idea to double check the directions you are given by your GPS before hitting the road.
Gas: To be on the safe side, keep your tank full as you go along. Once your tank reaches the ¼ full mark, get gas as soon as you can. You might want to get into the habit of filling up once you hit the half full mark. You don't want to run out of gas if you end up lost.
Cell Phone: Your battery should be fully charged and your hands-free unit hooked up before you pull away. If you have Onstar and would like a refresher course on how to use it, stop by the dealership anytime and any one of our sales associates or technicians would be happy to show you. you can also have Onstar installed in most vehicles.
Paperwork: Have all insurance and registration numbers where you can easily find them. If you have AAA or any other roadside service, have those numbers programmed into your cell phone or stashed in your glove compartment for easy access.
Passengers: Children can handle car rides well if you are prepared. Any distractions causing you to glance from the road for even a second may lead to an accident. Have everything you may need, like snacks or drinks, out so you can easily reach them and hand them to your child without looking away from the road. Set them up with books, games, or toys and remind them you must concentrate on the road.
Visibility: Take along at least two pairs of good sunglasses. Clean all of your windows before you leave, and make sure nothing is obstructing your view out the back window. It's also a good idea to clean your rearview mirrors.
If you are going on a road trip and need a tune up or any other service just click Here to make an appointment. At Harold Chevrolet-Buick we make it a priority to provide all of our customers with world class service. With our complimentary shuttle service you will not have to worry about missing work. We also have WIFI for the times you opt to stay. Give us a call at (260)665-2195 or stop by today!
