(PHOENIX)– Labor Day weekend typically marks the last road trip of the summer season. The feeling of freedom that comes from hitting the open road could be even more appealing as many people feel trapped at home.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, MMGY Travel Intelligence has been tracking the pandemic’s impact on travel. In its August report, MMGY found:
- Increase in perceived safety of traveling by car from 67% in July to 73%.
- Willingness to travel father. 38% who are likely to travel by car are willing to drive 300 miles or more each way, up from 33% in July.
Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) are available to discuss ways to ensure a smooth ride as people treat their cabin fever.
Road Trip Checklist
- Check fluids, wipers, hoses and belts
Make sure engine oil, brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at safe levels.
- Check wipers, belts and hoses
Rubber windshield wiper blades deteriorate faster in the dry heat.
Inspect and replace any cracked or brittle belts and hoses.
- Check battery
Heat evaporates battery fluids, which can speed up corrosion.
- Check 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 leads in components or hoses or clogs in the condenser.
- Check tires
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, 85 percent of drivers don’t know how to properly inflate their tires. Check pressure when the car has been idle and tires are cool and use the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, typically found on the driver side doorjamb
Inspect tires for cuts and sidewall bulges and inspect tread. The minimum acceptable tread depth is 3/32 inch, which is about the distance from the edge of a penny to the top of Lincoln’s head.
- Check turn signals, headlights, and brake lights.
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
- Umbrella (for shade and rain)
In the era of COVID-19, you may want to pack extra masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
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.
