Car Care Tips for Safe Driving during your Summer Family Vacations!

Summer means fun in the sun and vacations road trips for most families.  Hendrick Honda of Easley SC knows that taking an extended road trip can actually take a toll on the family car. Extreme heat and long drives can be tough on tires.  Many cars driving in summer heat experience overheated radiators, cracked hoses, underinflated tires and dirty filters. All these factors can significantly reduce the fuel efficiency, or worse, can lead to a total breakdown. Before planning a vacation with your family this summer be sure to get your vehicle ready for the trip to avoid any unnecessary hassles and roadside breakdowns. Hendrick Honda offers a quick summer car care checklist to ensure you spend more time with your family during the vacation rather than changing a flat tire on the side of the road.

If you haven't had your car in for routine maintenance in the last few months, get it into your local  Easley repair shop or auto service center for a full safety inspection a week or so before you leave for vacation. This will allow enough time to fix any problems the technician may have uncovered.

Be sure to ask your Certified Auto Technician to check the following:

1. Check your tires as tire pressure changes with the rising temperatures. Request your mechanic to check for tire tread depth and condition. Don’t forget to have the spare tire pressure checked as well.
2. Get your air conditioning system checked.
3. Also insist that your car technician examines the windshield wipers, lights, belts, filters and hoses.
4.  Check to be sure your car battery is in good shape.

Even if your car technician confirms everything is fine, there is always a possibility of car trouble while you are on vacation.  So be sure you are always equipped with an Emergency Road Kit to save you from those dreaded moments when you have car trouble in the middle of the road, especially if there is no nearby car repair service available.

Make sure your Emergency Road Kit include:

·         Flashlights and flares

·         Multipurpose tools including pliers, screwdriver, wire cutters, an awl, a knife, file, a saw, and a bottle opener

·         A First Aid kit

·         Water

·         Jumper cables

·         Tire inflator

·         Extra fluids (oil, coolant, transmission)

·         A jack (ensure that the vehicle jack is operational and all the tools are present)

·         Gloves

·         Rags/paper towels

·         Blanket

Other Useful Tip

• Pack as lightly as possible as this can help avoiding unnecessary weight on your tires, and can help you save some gas! And be careful not to block your view in the mirror while driving.
•  Follow the highway speed limits not only for your safety, but to save some extra fuel as well.
• Finally, follow all the road safety rules and enjoy the open roads and the sunny sky with your loved ones!

To find a reliable Auto Service Center in your area visit Hendrick Honda of Easley SC. Hendrick Honda, is your leading Honda dealer, located at 4609 Calhoun Memorial Highway 123 Easley, SC 29640, minutes from Greenville, Anderson and Pickens county lines. You can even take advantage of our Service and Parts coupons online.

Everyone knows that there are always situations that cannot be anticipated. That’s why there is Hendrick Autoguard Assurance Edge Motor Club Program – a comprehensive motor club program that provides you with peace-of-mind knowing that help is just a phone call away. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hendrick Autoguard Assurance Edge Motor Club Program provides the following emergency and non-emergency benefits.

• 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
• Emergency Travel Expense Reimbursement
• Vehicle Rental Reimbursement
• $1,000 Vehicle Theft Reward
• Emergency Message Relay
• Tire Hazard Protection Reimbursement
• Wheel Hazard Protection Reimbursement

The Hendrick Autoguard Assurance Edge Motor Club Program is available for five years on new vehicles and three years on pre-owned vehicles.

The Hendrick Autoguard Extended Service Agreements are available for vehicles up to 10 years old.