How to Avoid a Breakdown During Record Breaking Travel
(PHOENIX)– More Americans than ever recorded by AAA are planning to travel over the July 4 th
holiday weekend. AAA says nearly 49 million people are planning getaways, up 4.1 percent
from last year and the highest number since AAA started tracking in 2000.
While Wednesday, July 3rd is expected to be the most challenging travel day, Arizona drivers run
the risk of being stranded in triple digits any time they put off maintenance or ignore warnings
signs. Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) are available to discuss ways to
avoid the most common problems, including:
Tires
- According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, 85 percent of drivers don’t know
how to properly inflate their tires. - Under-inflated tires create excessive heat and stress that can lead to a blowout. To get
the most accurate pressure reading, check tires when they’ve been driven less than a
mile. - The minimum acceptable tread depth is 3/32 inch which is about the distance from the
edge of a penny to the top of Abe Lincoln’s head, but you don’t want to strive for the
minimum during our summer.
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 leaks in components or hoses or clogs in the
condenser. - Neglecting minor issues like a leaky hose can lead to early compressor failure, which can
be an expensive fix.
Batteries
- Heat evaporates battery fluids, which can speed up corrosion. If your car’s battery is
more than three years old, you should test it now to make sure it’ll last through
summer.
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
- Sunshade and umbrella
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 to find
recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest
mechanic in the Valley.
