Transportation

Firestone Travel Tips

Girl Scouts, are you hitting the road for the 95th Anniversary Celebration? Firestone Complete Auto Care™ reminds you to "Be Prepared" by taking the following steps before leaving home for the Nation's Capital:

• " To get the best fuel economy during this time of record-high gas prices, be aware of the following while traveling:
  
  
  • Due to vehicle aerodynamics, it is usually more economical to run your air conditioner than to cruise with windows open.
    
    
  • Always observe the speed limits, and be aware that fuel economy decreases significantly at speeds above 60 mph.
    
    
  • Whenever possible, try to maintain a constant speed; use the cruise control setting per your owner's manual directions.
    
    
  • Do not let your vehicle idle for extended periods; restarting your engine uses less fuel than keeping your vehicle running.
    
    
  • Keep your tires properly inflated; under-inflated tires are not only dangerous, they can also lower fuel economy.
    
    
  • Use the recommended grade of gasoline specified by your vehicle manufacturer. Mid-grade or premium fuels are unnecessary unless they are recommended.
    
    
• " Check your vehicle's fluid levels. Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level when the engine is cold. Once your vehicle is warmed up, check your transmission fluid and power steering fluid. If any fluid is low, only add enough to bring the indicator to "full"- never overfill.



• " Make sure to check your tire pressure on all four tires and your spare at least once per month and before every long trip. Keep them at the pressure level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.



• " Check each tire's tread grooves to make sure they are free of foreign objects. Also, check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.



• " If you're caught in traffic and your temperature gauge is rising, have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.



• " Check your air conditioning system before your trip begins. Make sure that it seems to be cooling satisfactorily. An annual full-vehicle inspection, including the air conditioning system, may help avoid costly repairs.



• " Do not overload your vehicle. Overloading creates excessive heat inside your tires and can cause tire failure that could result in vehicle damage and serious injury. Remember that you and your passengers count toward the total recommended vehicle weight.



• " Pack an emergency kit, including jumper cables, a flashlight and batteries, an orange reflector, gloves, simple tools, flares, a gallon of water, nonperishable food, an air compressor, and your auto club membership card.



• " Don't forget to get your tires rotated and the alignment checked by your Firestone Complete Auto Care service professional. This will help avoid uneven wear and vehicle problems.