Facebook
Flickr
LinkedIn
Social Pressroom
RSS Feed
Twitter
YoutubeTips for Proper Maintenance Before Taking Fall Trips Or Color Tours
GM and Goodwrench provide tips for fall travel to prevent breakdowns along the way
Whether it's a journey through the forest to capture its changing hues; a tailgating adventure to cheer an alma mater to victory; or a late-season trek to the amusement park, fall is becoming an increasingly popular travel season.
In fact, according to AAA, North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, fall travel now accounts for 23 percent of all travel nationally. Increasing numbers of travelers are vacationing in autumn when lodging and other costs are generally less expensive than in summer months. The trend toward fall trips is also prompted by more Americans taking extended weekend trips throughout the year, rather than the traditional two-week summer trip, and the desire to travel at less congested times, AAA notes.
AAA's data shows that a family of four taking a fall trek will spend an average $269 per day in fuel, food, lodging, and entertainment during September, October, and November. Hit the roads with a poorly maintained vehicle, however, and leaves may not be the only things turning red.
"Many travelers spend hours researching destinations, mapping routes, and making reservations at the finest inns and restaurants, yet ruin the entire experience with a broken belt or car tire issue that could have been quickly and easily addressed beforehand," says Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. "Above all, the number one item travelers should pack this fall is a fully functioning vehicle."
Fall check-ups and vehicle repairs are especially important, says Lord, because most owners have subjected their vehicles to wear and tear through the peak summer driving months, and will soon be putting them through their paces in winter driving.
Lord recommends the following auto repairs be performed before hitting the road in the fall
- Check car tires (tread and pressure)
- Replace windshield wiper blades (summer heat can make them brittle)
- Fill washer fluid
- Check coolant level
- Check oil and change if needed
"Life's hectic enough without having to worry about vehicle maintenance, and Simplified Maintenance addresses the most common causes of breakdowns in one visit," says Lord. "Now that we have advanced oil life technology and the 3000-mile oil change has gone the way of the dodo bird, regular car inspections can keep your vehicle repair needs on track and your vacation smooth sailing. "And, yes, Goodwrench technicians are equipped to service non-GM vehicles, too.
GM's Oil Life System monitor and other advanced technology such as OnStar have taken a lot of he guesswork out of maintaining General Motors vehicles. When the Oil Life System (OLS) monitor, found on more than 20 million General Motors vehicles, indicates it's time for an oil change service simply take your vehicle in for a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection that can address any other maintenance needs such as brake inspection; tire inflation, rotation or replacement; fluids fills; and lights, wipers, lubes, filter, hoses and belts changes. Using a system like this (depending on each customer's driving habits), a driver may only need to visit their dealership twice a year for oil changes and regular maintenance, versus the every three months or 3000 miles schedule that many people follow.
Those who drive a vehicle equipped with OnStar and sign up for free vehicle e-mail alerts, will also receive a monthly systems status report to remind them when it's time to check in for service.
Additional travel tips from Goodwrench include:
- Make sure there's a properly inflated spare car tire, jack, lug wrench and other tools for changing a tire.
- Pack a cell phone and a way to recharge it.
- Prepare a kit that includes a working flashlight with extra batteries, emergency reflectors, sunglasses, and first-aid kit. Include a placard that says "Call Police" in case of trouble.
- Carry a spare set of vehicle keys.
- Don't forget proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and medical insurance cards. Birth certificates or passports may be required for travel into Canada and Mexico; check beforehand.
- Leave a copy of travel plans with the route, planned return date and contact information with a trusted neighbor.
- Take prescription information for any medications the family is taking, as well as physicians' phone numbers.
- Familiarize those in the vehicle with how the OnStar system works, if the vehicle is so equipped.
GM and Goodwrench have paired up with Auto Club to provide in informational video full of tips for safer fall travel. Watch the video here:
Recent Comments