Over 38 million people hit the roads this weekend for the Memorial Day holiday. According to AAA, over 300,000 of those people were going to have to be rescued because of low tire pressure, battery loss, etc. There would be absolutely no excuse for running out of gas, though, since gas prices are currently at the lowest in a decade! Following a checklist before blasting off, may save you some grief. If you’re OCD, you’re likely a step ahead of the rest of us. Here’s a quick checklist for your road trip.
• Get a car check up at a nearby mechanic. Ask them to check everything. Battery, tires, oil, wiper fluid and all other fluid levels, spare tire and brakes.
• Check to make sure your tire jack is intact and that a crucial part is not missing (I learned this the hard way, when I took my car to a mechanic and months later found that the crank down bar to lower my spare tire had been removed from my car. I had to replace it my own expense).
• Pack plenty of water and healthy snacks to keep you hydrated and alert.
• Keep a spare key with a passenger, or hidden around the exterior of your car.
Or, heck, just fly and rent a car. You’ll get to spend more time at your vacation destination. And you don’t have to worry about the extra expense and wear and tear on your own vehicle. Besides, there’s a reason why the most common phrase you hear in a car rental location is “Who cares?? It’s a RENTAL!”
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Road Trip – Comedy Defensive Driving School