Before hitting the road make sure your ride is in good condition. The weak economy is still putting a damper on travel, but low gasoline prices are enticing people into their cars. According to AAA, 27 million people will take a road trip this Memorial Day weekend, up from 26.3 million last year.
1. Kick the tires. And then get out the tire-pressure gauge and check that your tires are inflated to the level recommended in your owner’s manual. Summer heat increases the pressure in tires, so test the pressure before driving far. Don’t forget to check your spare as well.
Check the tread while you’re down there. Stick a penny in the tread gaps with Lincoln’s head facing down – if the head is fully visible, you need new tires.
A new line of tires, Goodyear’s Assurance FuelMax, are designed to boost fuel economy. FuelMax tires improve fuel efficiency by four percent compared with the current line of Goodyear Assurance tires, and they carry a 65,000-mile warranty.
FuelMax tires are made of a new polymer that maximizes handling and durability, while providing 27 percent less rolling resistance to improve efficiency. Prices range from $73 to $122 per tire, depending on size, at www.tirerack.com.
2. Check the essentials. Check the oil after running the car for a few minutes. It should be at a sufficient level and appear clean on the stick. Though many technicians recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles, some manuals recommend 7,500 miles-check your owner’s manual for guidance.
New windshield-wiper blades might be a good investment for summer driving. Thunderstorms often crop up without warning, and the previous winter’s weather may have taken a toll on the blades’ performance. Prices are typically $5 to $25.
3. Make a service stop. We’ll leave it to your mechanic to tell you what needs to be done, but a quick tune-up before a long trip is a good idea — especially because it could improve your fuel economy by four percent to 12 percent. Prices for a basic tune-up start at around $70 at Meineke and Midas, and both have coupons available on their websites.
4. Ditch the junk in your trunk. No hip-hop reference here – just clean out your car. The more you haul, the more fuel you burn. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to two percent.
5. Prepare for the worst. You should keep an emergency kit with some necessities in your car in case you get stuck. The AAA 73 Piece Adventurer Road Assistance Kit ($55,www.amazon.com) includes jumper cables, an air compressor, tools and a first-aid kit. Black & Decker’s Start It Jump-Starter ($50, www.bdonlinestore.com) can help you get back on the road without jumper cables.
We don’t want to be a drag, but keep in mind that driving faster than 60 miles per hour decreases your fuel efficiency – each five mph over 60 is like paying an extra 24 cents per gallon for gas. That money is better spent on a snack at the next rest stop.