Vehicle inspections before Memorial Day travel can prevent drivers from being stranded
There's one group of folks who likely won’t be taking time off during Memorial Day weekend: tow-truck drivers.
AAA said Tuesday it expects to get calls from thousands of stranded Michigan drivers this long holiday weekend as more than a million Michiganders are set to take road trips because folks won't check everything is in working order in their cars before leaving.
Nationwide, the auto club expects to rescue 483,000 stranded drivers of out an estimated 37.1 million motorists.
Common car problems
In many cases, AAA said, breakdowns can be prevented with a simple vehicle inspection. The most common reasons motorists call the auto club? Flat tires and dead batteries.
"A properly maintained vehicle is critical for a successful and safe road trip," said Adrienne Woodland, a AAA spokeswoman said. "We encourage all drivers to get a pre-trip inspection of their tires, battery, breaks, fluids, and other basics. This could help prevent a breakdown before it happens."
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A third problem: Lockouts. And that often can resolved with a spare key and planning.
AAA: 67% do inspections
Of Michigan's summer vacationers surveyed by AAA, 37% said that they planned to get a professional vehicle inspection, and another 30% said they'd do their own check. But the auto club said 23% said they had no intention at all of getting an inspection before hitting the road.
What should be checked
Given that the tires and batteries are the biggest problems, the auto club recommends, at least, they get checked.
Tires: See if they are properly inflated and have tread depth. And don't forget to check the spare, too.
Batteries: If your engine is slow to start or your lights are dim, your battery may be nearing the end of its life. Look for damage or corrosion, and, if the are questions, have the battery tested.
Brakes: If you hear a grinding or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, get them checked.
Wiper blades: Rubber blades wear out. Make sure to replace them before they do.
Fluids: Engine oil, coolant and brake, transmission, washer and power steering fluids are easy to check and top off.
If your car breaks down
Here are some tips from AAA if you do have a problem while on the road:
If you are able to safely make it to the next exit or stopping point, do that, but if you can't, pull over on the road's shoulder to create distance between your vehicle and passing traffic.
Turn your hazard lights on so other drivers are aware you are there.
Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so.
If you get out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Vehicle inspections can prevent need for roadside assistance, AAA says
