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Is Your Car Ready For That Memorial Day Road Trip?

Last updated on Wednesday, May 23, 2018

(GRAND BLANC, Mich.) - According to AAA 36.6 million Americans will travel via automobile for Memorial Day weekend this year - a 4.7 percent increase from last year. The “vast majority” of trips will be made via automobile.

Road trip season typically kicks into high gear on Memorial Day, and ACDelco, the true General Motors original equipment replacement parts brand, has compiled a SUMMER list of six preventative maintenance tips to reduce road trip stress.

"A few simple inspections and some light maintenance will let you enjoy your road trip without having to worry about breakdowns," said John Latner, manager, ACDelco Technical Training. "You'll spend far less replacing a hose or a belt than you will on a tow and a hotel room if your vehicle breaks down far from home."

ACDelco's SUMMER Car Maintenance Tips:

Set aside some time before your trip to check belts, hoses, brakes, lights, engine oil and wiper blades. Your vehicle's Owner Manual has a schedule for suggested maintenance timing.

Unchecked liquid levels may lead to an unexpected breakdown. Check the vehicle's transmission fluid, power steering fluid and coolant fluid.

Make sure you have a working flashlight with extra batteries, emergency reflectors and a first-aid kit in your vehicle.

Maintain appropriate pressure in all tires, including the spare. Both underinflated and overinflated tires lead to poor handling, unusual wear and reduced fuel economy.

Extreme summer temperatures may require you to change the grade of your engine oil. Warmer temperatures can thin oil, so your Owner's Manual might recommend to using a thicker grade of engine oil during hot weather. Regular oil changes keep your vehicle running smoothly and help maintain fuel efficiency -- crucial for any long road trips.

Roll down the windows and listen to your vehicle. An unusual sound can be a sign of potential brake, suspension or chassis problems.

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