As a record-setting 3.9 million Floridians prepare to set out for an Independence Day road trip, AAA urges drivers to make sure their vehicle is ready for the road.
AAA expects to rescue nearly 800,000 stranded motorists during the nine-day holiday period, from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7th. The most common problems AAA expects stranded motorists to have are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.
“The hotter summer months take a toll on your vehicle’s battery and tires,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That’s why it’s so important to get a pre-trip vehicle inspection. Doing so could uncover potential vehicle problems that might not otherwise reveal themselves until your trip.”
AAA Tips to Prevent Car Problems
- Check your tires – Inspect all four tires and the spare tire if your vehicle has one. Pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tread depth.
- Check your battery – The average car battery life is typically 3-5 years. If your engine is slow to start and/or your lights are dim, your battery may be nearing the end of its life. Drivers can ask for a battery check at a AAA Car Care Center or an Approved Auto Repair Facility like Windermere Sustainable Car Care®.
- Listen to and feel the brakes – If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
- Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner – If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 6-12 months.
- Top off engine oil and other fluids – Check that engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and power steer
- ing fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
- Replenish emergency kit supplies – AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.
Family Road Trip Checklist
With road trips expected to set a new record this July 4th week, AAA teamed up with Chicco to share safety tips for families with small children.
- Check car seat fit. Before you hit the road, check your child’s weight and height to ensure they’re in the right seat and mode of use – especially when it comes to transitioning from rear to forward-facing. Children should remain rear-facing as long as possible for better protection of their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. If you are unsure which car seat is best for your child, Chicco offers a car seat comparison guide.
- Double check car seat installation. Even if your car seat is already installed in the car, it’s worth checking everything is safe and secure. An easy at-home way to do this is with the “inch test.” Simply grab the seat at the car seat belt path and pull side to side and front to back. If it moves more than one inch in any direction, uninstall and start over until a secure fit is achieved. For any questions, utilize the car seat manual, QR codes, or online resources like those offered by Chicco.
- Secure loose items in the car. Take time to organize and clean up your car before hitting the road. Storage organizers that secure to the back of the driver and passenger seats are simple solutions to make sure everything has a spot, especially loose items that can become projectiles in case of a sudden stop.
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Pack an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, water, snacks, blankets, jumper cables, and flares. Make sure your phone is fully charged – and keep a charger in the car – to call AAA or request roadside assistance digitally if your battery dies, you lock yourself out, or you need a tow.
- Map your route. Families with young children should plan for frequent and longer stops along the way. Map out your route ahead of time with AAA TripTik and browse hotels, restaurants, and other activities along the way on AAA Trip Canvas.
- Bring entertainment. Make sure to place toys and books within reach to keep children entertained. If your kids use tablets or other electronics, make sure the devices are fully charged and pre-downloaded before leaving home. Another fun way to get the whole family excited for the road trip is to create a family playlist of everyone’s favorite songs!
Why Choose Windermere Sustainable Car Care®?
Tired of automobile troubles disrupting your day? At Windermere Sustainable Car Care®, we understand. That’s why we’re your one-stop shop for getting your car back on the road quickly. We’re not your typical repair shop; we’re dedicated to keeping Naples drivers safe and fulfilled by providing honest, swift, and professional services.
Our Services
Our dealership-trained specialists are equipped with the tools required to quickly diagnose and treat any issues, covering everything from engine faults to worn tires. Beyond that, we do periodic maintenance to keep your car running smoothly and may expertly replace broken convertible tops. We ensure exceptional service, whether it is a simple oil change or a major repair, by using cutting-edge technology and authentic OEM components wherever possible.
Contact us!
At Windermere Sustainable Car Care®, we can guarantee you will get your car back on the road as fast and safely as we can. We are located at 4378 Domestic Ave, Naples, FL 34104, our hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
For further details regarding our comprehensive auto repair and maintenance services, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the contact information provided below.
Appointments are not required at Windermere Express Oil Change but if you need comprehensive auto repair and maintenance, you can request an appointment for diagnostics, tire changes, or engine repair with our full-service technicians here.
