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Late Summer Travel

Simple Guidelines Can Help Promote Safe and Economical Travel During The Final Summer Months

Greenville, S.C. (Aug 3, 2005) - With the summer holidays coming to a close, many travelers are enthusiastically preparing for a final summer road trip -- but are their vehicles equally as ready? Following a few simple steps can help ensure vehicle safety, help maximize gas mileage and save valuable travel time.

Experts from Uniroyal Tire offer the following tips to prepare drivers for their final summer trips:

Check your vehicle:
Before you take any trip, be sure your vehicle is prepared for the journey.

Check the air pressure in your tires, including the spare. The proper inflation pressure can be found in the owner's manual or on the placard usually on the doorjamb. The pressure indicated on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure allowed, not what is recommended for your vehicle. When tires are 20 percent underinflated (only five to seven pounds per square inch (PSI)) fuel consumption can increase by 10 percent. That can costs motorists two or three miles per gallon.
Visually inspect your vehicle's turn signals, wipers, parking brake, brake lights and headlights to ensure that everything is in working order.
Be sure to check the oil, radiator and windshield washer fluid, and change or refill as needed.
Remember to pack safety equipment such as a flashlight, first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables and food and water. A cell phone is also helpful for emergencies.

Be Ready to Drive
Stressed or tired drivers make for dangerous situations on the road, so it's important to be fully rested and prepared for the trip.

Minimize stress by mapping out your route in advance of your trip.
Take breaks along your route to stretch and break the boredom of driving. A 15-minute break every two to three hours of driving is a good idea.
Don't drive while you are drowsy. Tired drivers have slower reaction times.

Prepare for the Weather
If you do encounter slick, wet roads, knowing the proper driving techniques can help you avoid an accident. Be sure to keep speed down to make your vehicle easier to steer or decelerate. Don't try to travel at normal fair weather speeds.

Uniroyal Tire is one of the world's leading tire brands for passenger and commercial cars, pick-ups, light trucks, mini vans and sport utility vehicles. Dating back to 1892, Uniroyal Tire has developed a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable tires including its Tiger Paw® and Laredo® series. Uniroyal® tires offer just the right combination of dependability, traction and grip in almost every weather condition, and come with one of the industry's leading warranties.