NAPA Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
23 July 1998
NAPA Recommends Travelers Follow a 'Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist' Fluids are Essential for Beating the Heat and Heavy Highway Miles ATLANTA, July 22 -- With only 30 days before the start of
school, families across America will load-up their cars in anticipation of
long-awaited vacations, but with soaring temperatures across the country, the
National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) advises parents to follow a 'Pre-
Trip Inspection Checklist' to avoid hassles down the road.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 1.4 trillion road miles will
be traveled this summer and prices at the pump are the lowest in recorded
history when taking inflation into account. Parents and their children will
make-up more than half of this summer car travel.
According to Jim Kiple, director of technical services for NAPA, "The
typical eight hours of travel adds up to extra stresses on our automobiles
because of the scorching summer temperatures and heavy highway cruising.
Tires, radiator hoses and engine belts often give out during these hot highway
miles, which is probably the fastest way to ruin a great vacation."
To ensure a fun and safe road trip, NAPA recommends that motorists not
only prepare the car, but also pack the car with extra items, such as bottled
water, a tool kit and a first aid kit. In addition, parents should remember
to pack heavy objects, such as a toy truck, cooking stove or briefcase, in the
trunk or underneath softer items. Anything that's not buckled down in a
vehicle can become a high-speed projectile in a sudden stop or crash.
To reduce the risk of hot-weather breakdowns, NAPA recommends the
following checklist. It's also recommended that travelers call their
automotive technician one week ahead to schedule any needed maintenance or
repair.
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist:
-- Fluids. Check fluid levels under the hood: oil, coolant, brake fluid,
windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and battery fluid.
-- Wiper Blades. Replace worn blades to help safely navigate during
summer rains.
-- Tires. Make sure all tires (including the spare) are properly
inflated. Look for uneven tread wear and bulges. Most roadside
emergencies are due to blowouts. If it has been more than a year since
the last tire rotation, take the car to an ASE-certified technician and
have the tires rotated and balanced. Also have the alignment checked.
-- Belts & Hoses. Check for visible cracks or bulges and have any
suspicious belts or hoses replaced by a certified technician. If belts or
hoses are four years old or more replace them anyway.
-- Lights & Horn. Test the brake lights, turn signals and headlights to
make sure they work properly and have enough illumination. Change any
weak bulbs. Also tap the horn a few times to make sure it will blow every
time it's needed.
Safety Supplies & Equipment:
-- Tool Box. There are many compact, all-purpose tool kits on the market,
but the most important items can probably be found around the house: blade
screwdriver and Phillips-head screwdriver, pliers, a knife, and duct tape.
Always carry a jack and know how to use it! Also carry jumper cables,
flares, a flashlight and a crescent wrench.
-- Water. A gallon jug of water could mean the difference between being
stranded on the side of the road and making it to the next exit. When
taking scenic highways instead of interstates, it's recommended that
motorists carry two gallons of water.
-- First Aid Kit. In addition to Bandaids(R) and Bactine(R), carry
sterile gauze pads, a small roll of medical tape and burn ointment just in
case a mishap occurs when checking under the hood. Make sure the kit has
a triple antibiotic skin ointment and bug repellent, as well.
Roadside Emergency Numbers:
Motorists are advised to keep these two phone numbers in the car, just in
the event of a breakdown or roadside emergency. For a tow, call AAA at
1-800-222-4357. And to find the closest repair shop with ASE-certified
technicians and a national warranty program, call 1-800-LET-NAPA. There are
8,700 independently owned NAPA AutoCare Centers around the country that
motorists can count on for honest car repair.
Comfort Zone:
-- Beat the heat and prevent beverage and food stains by putting towels
down on the seats.
-- Take a "pit stop" every two to three hours to stretch, rotate seats and
alternate drivers.
-- Wear cotton, loose fitting clothes that breathe well.
Guide to Family Fun:
Easy Auto-edibles:
-- Chilled veggie slices are crunchy and tasty.
-- Low-salt, non-buttered popcorn (low-salt keeps down thirst; non-
buttered keeps grease off fingers).
-- Whole grain crackers like Triscuits(R) or cereal such as Cheerios(R)
can help satisfy a hunger pain until the next meal.
-- Chilled water - at least one quart per passenger. Stay away from sodas
and sweet juices: carbonated beverages require more pit stops and sweet
juice drinks can increase thirst.
Car Captains:
Keep older children enthusiastic about the road trip by giving them travel
duties and let them rotate jobs so that everyone gets to have fun!
-- Junior Navigator: Responsible for keeping the family on course.
Parents can give a child a map with the route highlighted from home to the
final destination.
-- Road Reporter: Responsible for keeping a diary of sights seen. Also
responsible for recording family comments, favorite happenings and funny
mishaps.