From AAA
Next week, nearly 2.6 million Floridians will gas-up their vehicles and hit the holiday road. Unfortunately, thousands of them will face car trouble along the way.
View the full Florida Thanksgiving Travel Forecast here
Nationwide, AAA will receive more than 368,000 calls for roadside assistance, this Thanksgiving. More than 25,000 (7%) of them will be in Florida. The three most common calls will be from drivers with flat tires, dead batteries and/or lockouts.
"The best way to avoid car trouble this Thanksgiving is to have their vehicle professionally inspected," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Mechanics can ensure the recent cold weather didn't damage your car battery. They can also ensure your tires, brakes, belts, and hoses are all in good shape for your trip."
Drivers can visit aaa.com/autorepair to find a trusted local repair facility that has been inspected and certified by AAA. Even if drivers do not have time to see a mechanic, there are a variety of things they can look for, to lower the odds of a holiday breakdown.
AAA offers the following tips:
Check your tire pressure and tread. Inspect all four tires and the spare (if you have one). Look for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges. Check the tire tread by inserting a quarter upside down between the tread. If you can still see the top of George Washington's head, you need new tires. Check tire pressure before driving. Inflate to the manufacturer's specifications.
Listen to and feel the brakes. If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, get them professionally inspected. If a repair or replacement is needed, use the Repair Cost Estimator to help anticipate costs.
Secure and test the battery. Have a service professional check your battery to determine the remaining capacity. Ensure the cable connections are clean and tight, and the hardware is secure.
Top off engine oil and other fluids. Ensure engine oil, coolant, and brake transmission, and power steering fluids are all at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation.
Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner fluid. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, it's time for new blades.
Check belts and hoses. Replace belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed. As a general rule, drive belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles. Also, radiator hoses should not leak or be worn, brittle, or excessively soft.
Replenish emergency kit supplies. Kits should include a cell phone charger, car battery booster cables, flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, emergency flares or reflectors, rain poncho, basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.
Plan ahead for vehicle service
In the event you should need vehicle maintenance, know ahead of time where to find an auto repair shop and technician you can trust. Use AAA.com/Repair to access AAA’s network of nearly 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities. Each shop meets AAA’s service and customer satisfaction standards. AAA members receive auto repair discounts, extended 24-month/24,000-mile parts and labor warranty, and assistance in resolving repair-related issues.
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