(NC)-The success of your road trip depends as much on your tires as your family’s enthusiasm. After all, they’re the only things between your precious cargo and the open road. Follow these important tire tips to keep your family safe and to enjoy road trip fun all summer long:
Check-up: “You take your kids to the doctor for regular check-ups, so why not your tires- and the rest of your vehicle?” says Celine Messiha, Marketing Manager at Uniroyal. “Before my family sets off for a road trip. I make sure to do a service check with my local dealer. It’s always best to be prepared.”
Especially before a road trip, do a complete tire check at your local Uniroyal dealer including tire pressure and tread wear on your spare. Make sure that fluids are filled up and that wipers and headlights are in good shape. Then go ahead, kick the tires and hit the road.
Peer Pressure: Be sure to regularly check air pressure in the early morning when tires are cold and haven’t been driven for at least one hour. For proper air pressure for your particular tires, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations printed in the car manual or on the placard posted inside the driver’s doorjamb or glove compartment. You’ll enjoy better fuel economy, a smoother ride and longer life for your tires.
SOS: Bring along a road trip emergency kit just in case-a blanket that can also double as a picnic blanket, flashlight, batteries, reflective warning signs, extra windshield-wiper fluid, booster cables, tire jack, a nylon tow rope, gloves and wet wipes. Carry emergency numbers, i.e., for road assistance, insurance or your family doctor.
Safety First! Worst case scenario of a flat tire? Get to the side of the road as far from traffic as possible. Find a level stretch of ground to jack up your car. Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard flashers, and place three reflective warning signs or flares behind your car-the first, 10 feet out from the back fender (even in the traffic lane if necessary); the second, 200 feet back from the centre of the trunk; and the third, 300 feet behind your vehicle at the curb to lead traffic out and away from your car. Make sure to get the kids away from the car to a place where they can wait it out at a safe distance.
For more information visit www.uniroyal.ca.