Dream Vacation or Nightmare Road Trip? Pre-Trip Vehicle Check Can Make the Difference

Road trip car trouble can be a real nightmare, but performing a pre-trip vehicle check helps drivers avoid a vacation breakdown disaster, says the Car Care Council.

“When dreaming about summer vacation, the thought of a roadside breakdown can be terrifying,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Performing a pre-trip driveway inspection gives motorists peace of mind by reducing the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by a trusted technician before hitting the road.”

Right in their own driveway, motorists can determine how road ready their vehicle is with a 10-minute vehicle check. If service or repairs are needed, they can be performed in advance to ensure safety and reliability on the road.

Check the tires including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
Check the hoses and belts as they can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
Check filters and fluids including engine oil, power steering and brake, and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
Check the brakes and battery to be sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free and that the brakes are functioning properly.

The Car Care Council also recommends that motorists restock their emergency kit, consider a pre-trip tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy, and order a free copy of the Car Care Council’s popular Car Care Guide for the glove box at http://www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit http://www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/dream-vacation-or-nightmare-road-trip-pre-trip-vehicle-check-can-make-the-difference/

THE JEEP® BRAND HAS YOUR SUMMER NECESSITIES COVERED

If you want to make summer 2016 truly sizzle, hop in the driver’s seat of a Jeep® brand vehicle and take an excursion to the city, go on a backcountry adventure, or set off on a day-trip with the family. To celebrate the season properly you need a vehicle that’s capable enough to reach your destination and stylish enough to leave a lasting impression, from the ballpark to the campground and everywhere in-between. Here’s your checklist for the summer necessities. On your mark, get set…

Day at the Ballpark

Nothing says summer quite like America’s pastime. Start planning your day at the ballpark with the 2016 Jeep Compass High Altitude. The leather-trimmed seats and power sunroof will make getting to the game, well, a day in the park. Once you arrive, the generous cargo space and available flip-down liftgate speakers will make you the all-star of any tailgate. Just make sure you have Take Me Out to the Ballgame on your playlist.

Weekend Camping Trip

At least once every summer you need to get away for peace of mind. Head to the woods and clear your head in the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. The legendary off-road vehicle can tackle any environment, and has the Trail Rated® badge to prove it. On four-wheel-drive models, the standard Quadra-Trac II® 4×4 system features a two-speed transfer case that uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action – sending as much as 100% of available torque to the axle with the most traction so you can plan your camping trip in any location and in nearly any weather conditions.

Essential Summer Road Trip

The summer road trip is a right of passage in America. It’s a way to revive the senses and expand boundaries. For those daring enough to explore new locations, the Jeep Renegade 75th Anniversary edition will transport you to the far reaches of your city and your country. And since the best part of a road trip is the open-air freedom, the available My Sky® dual-panel roof will let in the sunshine and summer breezes. Just try to make it home before autumn, if you can.

Off-road Adventure

Whether there’s a trail in your hometown or you’re traveling to a Jeep Jamboree USA event, summer is the time to see what your 2016 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon — the vehicle Four Wheeler magazine named “4×4 of the Decade” — is really capable of. Every Jeep Wrangler is fortified with underbody skid plates to help protect the fuel tank and transfer case, and heavy-duty, forged-steel dual front and single rear frame-mounted tow hooks come standard, in case you come upon a fellow trail rider in a pinch. If the forecast is sunny and conditions allow, drop the top and take off the doors* for a truly exhilarating summer trail ride.

Day at the Beach

Want to turn heads at the beach this summer? Pull up to shore in the unforgettable Jeep Cherokee and stake your claim in the sand. Featuring the innovative Jeep brand cargo management system with handy hooks and removable holders, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is ready to haul your beach towels, cooler, flying disc, wakeboard and umbrella to the beach, not to mention buckets and shovels for the kids.

Backyard Cookout or Company Picnic

The smell of a grill is the smell of summer. You’re obligated to enjoy as many cookouts as possible, and to play all the croquet and badminton you can handle. Arrive with the family in the 2016 Jeep Patriot High Altitude, with bright exterior accents and the available 4×4 system, and show your true colors. The Patriot helps protect your most precious cargo with safety and security features, including a total of six airbags† and available ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera.

Read more at: http://blog.jeep.com/news/jeep-brand-summer-necessities-covered/

Is Your Car Road Ready?

If your vacation plans include a road trip, the last thing you want is to have unexpected car trouble to leave you stranded at the side of the road, ruining all the fun. A pre-trip vehicle check is the best way to be car care aware and ensure that your car is ready to get you to your destination, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

The Car Care Council recommends the following pre-trip checklist before hitting the road this summer:

–         Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

–         Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.

–         Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.

–         Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

–         Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2014/05/is-your-car-road-ready-for-summer/