Category: Automotive Maintenance Tips

Safe Driving Tips for Summer Road Trips

Safe Driving Tips for Summer

Summer is the perfect setting for spontaneous road trips with no particular destination in mind. With summer in full swing, most motorists will be hitting the open road for long holiday trips and quick weekend breaks. Unfortunately, summer presents its own safety hazards for car owners. Although the weather is generally great for driving, you will still need to follow safe driving tips to ensure that you and your passengers arrive safely at your destination.

Here at AASS, we can help you protect your vehicle by providing you not only with safe driving tips, but with a vehicle service contract. With this contract in place, you can achieve peace of mind and enjoy your summer vacation without worrying about vehicle breakdowns and repairs. To learn more about how a vehicle protection plan from American Automotive Solutions can help you, call us today at 800-293-5048.

6 Safe Driving Tips to Remember

Summer Safe Driving Tips

  • Prepare your car: Safe driving is about being prepared. Prevent overheating from happening by ensuring that your coolant system is up to speed and keeping your car well-hydrated. Check the following car fluids and top off if needed: engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant (antifreeze). Check if your tires are under- or over-inflated using a tire pressure gauge, and check if the tires’ tread has worn out.
  • Strap in: A safe driving tip that we have heard since we were young is wear your seatbelt. Make sure that you and your passengers have their seat belts on correctly and ensure that your child is fastened securely in a child car seat before driving.
  • Drive defensively: Cautious and defensive driving is one of the most important safe driving tips because speeding puts a higher load on your vehicle and increases its likelihood of being involved in a car crash. Drive at a moderate and sensible speed limit to reduce the wear on your vehicle and ensure you are prepared for any challenges you may encounter.
  • Stay alert: Motorists often take advantage of summer to travel long distances for their vacations and enjoy the scenery while they are at it. A common-sense safe driving tip is to make sure to get plenty of rest and sleep on the eve of a long drive ahead, and make plenty of stops when you become sleepy on the road.
  • Stay calm: If you are driving in big cities, expect a lot of traffic and remain positive about the experience. A very important safe driving tip is to not allow road rage to get the best of you and cloud your judgment.
  • Learn to share: The warm weather brings all the cyclists, runners, and pedestrians out into the open road. Be on the lookout for them when driving and be willing to give way.   
  • Purchase a vehicle service contract: Even if you follow all the safe driving tips, sometimes things go wrong. Having a vehicle service contract in place protects you from the cost of repairs that are not covered by the manufacturer or dealer warranty or after it has expired. If a mishap occurs during a summer road trip, extra features like roadside assistance, towing, and trip interruption coverage can be a lifesaver. Before leaving for your road trip, protect yourself by thoroughly reading your contract so you will know your rights in case an unexpected breakdown happens.

Learn More About Safe Driving Tips & Protecting Your Vehicle

Enjoy a great summer ahead by reading up and following these safe driving tips. To find out more about how you can choose the best vehicle protection plan to keep you and your vehicle safe while out on the road, call us today at 800-293-5048!

How to Save on Auto Repairs

Save on Auto Repairs

Auto repairs – Just the two words alone can make you cringe and cause your bank account to start shaking in fear.

If you are looking to save money on your automotive repairs, there are some steps you can take to ensure your vehicle does not break down and remains in good condition. For example, even just letting a simple auto repair sit for months can turn a couple dollar job into a couple hundred-dollar job. Before you panic and worry that your vehicle is going to leave you broke, check out the tips below to help you save on your auto repairs.

Routine Maintenance is Key to Longevity of Your Vehicle

Preventative maintenance is the key to a vehicle that keeps on running. In addition, routine maintenance can help save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars because small problems are caught before they worsen and large auto repairs are avoided at the same time.

When it comes to routine auto repairs and maintenance, you have two options. You can handle the maintenance by yourself or, if you are not a do it yourselfer, you can take your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop to have maintenance performed.

Some of the most important routine services you need to have performed include:

  • Tire rotation
  • Tire balance
  • Oil change
  • Fluid flush and top off
  • Brake pad check and change
  • Tire alignments

The frequency required for these various maintenance services will depend on your vehicle and your driving patterns. For example, it is recommended that you have your oil changed and your vehicle inspected every 3,000 miles or three months. New vehicles can go as much as 5,000 miles. To be sure, you should check the owner’s manual or contact a trusted professional for guidance on when to have maintenance performed.

Consider a Vehicle Protection Plan to Save On Auto Repairs

Another great way to save on auto repairs is to purchase a vehicle service contract. These plans will help cover the costs of unforeseen auto repairs.

For example, if you have an active vehicle protection plan and your engine blows out, you can save thousands of dollars because, as long as the engine is a covered part on the vehicle according to the terms of your contract, your service contract will pay for the repair or replacement of it.

Prevent Expensive Auto Repairs &amp Bills

Vehicle protection plans can cover a variety of auto repairs including issues with the:

  • Transmission
  • Engine
  • Cooling system
  • Transfer case
  • Suspension
  • Seals and gaskets
  • And more

For specific details on what types of auto repairs are covered, be sure to reference your vehicle service contract documentation.

Recognize Warnings Signs When They First Occur

The best way to save money on auto repairs is to combine routine maintenance with a vehicle protection plan and to handle problems when they first occur. If you hear your vehicle make an odd noise or you notice the dashboard warning lights are on, head to your local auto repair shop and have an experienced mechanic take a look.

The longer you allow a vehicle problem to persist, the worse the situation will become and the more money it will cost to replace any parts.

Want to Save on Auto Repairs? Contact Us Today

If you want to save money on your auto repairs, contact American Automotive Service Solutions today. We offer a variety of vehicle service contracts to ensure the longevity of your car or truck and to protect you from costly auto repair bills.