May 2002 (Newstream) -- Every year 200 million Americans hit the road for the proverbial summer vacation. Here are some tips on how to make that trip safer and cost less.
"You should be checking your tire pressure on a regular basis," says Susan Christophersen of ACDelco. "There is a tire pressure specification that is printed on the tire. That's the tire manufacturers. You should go by the vehicle manufacturers. And that information is right here, on the inside of the door, on this label."
Tire pressure should be based on the weight of the vehicle. Proper tire pressure not only improves gas mileage, it also prevents blowouts. Here's something most of us never think about.
"Before you leave on your trip, always remember to check your spare," says Christophersen. "Some people have not looked at their spare for a long time. And if that happens to be flat -- and it will go flat over time -- that spare isn't going to do you any good, if you happen to have a flat tire along the side of the road."
There's something else you should know about the various choices you have at the gas pump.
"Premium is designed for high performance engines that run hot -- and it's not necessary to put premium in your engine, if your engine has been designed to run on regular," says Christophersen. "Follow your manufacturers recommendation, if it doesn't require premium, don't spend the extra money."
Check your owner's manual for regular maintenance tips. And for more ideas on summer trip cost cutters and safety, check out websites like this one at ACDelco. A summer road trip can be great adventure. Doing what you can to make it safer and more economical will help you relax and enjoy it.
