Pep Boys Offers Tips for the Summer Driving Season

1 July 1999

Pep Boys Offers Tips for the Summer Driving Season

    PHILADELPHIA--June 30, 1999--As Americans get ready to celebrate Independence Day, backyard barbecues, traveling and fireworks should mark the nation's birthday - not overstuffed trunks or car trouble.
    "The July 4 weekend really marks the start of the heavy summer travel season," says Bill Furtkevic, director of marketing communications for Pep Boys, the nation's leading automotive aftermarket parts, accessory, tire and service chain. "Aftermarket manufacturers have come out with some new items to make summer driving more pleasurable and help drivers be better prepared in case of a roadside emergency."
    Furtkevic offers drivers these suggestions when going out on the road this summer:

    Storage

    Whether it's young families taking road trips together or retirees spending the summer visiting old friends and new places, having enough space to put all the luggage can be at a premium. And despite the buying trend to bigger and bigger Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and minivans, Americans still often need that additional space to transport their goods during vacation.
    To make sure they can bring everything with them, many drivers are using soft- and hard-shell roof top luggage carriers. In addition, stretch cords, storage nets and tie-down straps help keep loads in place.

    Appearance

    "When it's summer, the bugs are out," Furtkevic notes. "Because SUV and light trucks are some of the least aerodynamic vehicles on the road, they can attract more than the normal amount of expired insects. Many owners care about their vehicle's appearance. Just as people often use bug repellent, now there is the Bugflector, a `bug repellent' for your truck. They create an aerodynamic air stream that carries bugs up and over the windshield, instead of splattering on the broad surface a light truck or minivan has."

    Heat

    "In many parts of the country, July is typically the hottest month," Furtkevic observes. "The temperature inside a closed car often makes the interior hotter than the outside air. Windshield shades can help. They can make a difference of up to 20 degrees on leather and vinyl surfaces where it counts the most - like on seats and steering wheels."

    Roadside emergencies

    "One of the worst things that can happen during a driving trip is a breakdown," Furtkevic says. "Before setting out, drivers should check the coolant level and the levels of other fluids for important systems, such as the brakes and transmission. They should have the brakes inspected, especially if it's been more than 20,000 miles since the last inspection. Also, check tread wear on the tires. If it's uneven, the vehicle may need an alignment."
    "Keeping an emergency repair kit in the trunk or storage area is also a good idea. Typically, these contain many useful items such as electrical tape, tools, emergency flares and other things motorists may need in the event of a breakdown. Drivers should have a set of battery jumper cables on hand, no matter what the season. And of course, they should keep that cellular phone or CB radio handy, just in case. Think of it as insurance for the road."
    Pep Boys has over 645 locations in 37 states and Puerto Rico. The nearest location can be found by dialing 800/PEP-BOYS or visiting Pep Boys on the Internet at pepboys.com.