Vehicle preparedness for summer PCS, vacation travel Published July 7, 2008 By Meredith March 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- Whether preparing to PCS, go on a road trip, or simply attend to daily errands, proper vehicle maintenance is a summer safety necessity. A vehicle that has been serviced according to its manufacturer's standards and is well maintained simply requires a few basic safety checks before it can be considered ready for the road, said Mike Trudeau, 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office. The following is a list of recommended vehicle safety checks individuals should perform before setting out on a long drive. · Tires: When the tires are cold -- meaning the car hasn't been driven for three hours or more -- each tire's pressure should be checked, including the spare's. Just like tires themselves, correct pressures vary, but proper measurements can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual. Each tire's tread should also be checked for excessive wear or irregular wear patterns. If a tire's tread is worn to less than 1/16 of an inch, the tire should be replaced. If tires show irregular wear patterns, the wheels may need to be realigned or the tires rotated before the car could be considered safe for travel, Mr. Trudeau said. · Belts and hoses: Under the hood, all belts and hoses should be checked for cracks, blisters or cuts. Because summer heat can accelerate rubber belt and hose degradation, any belts or hoses showing signs of wear should be replaced immediately. · Wiper blades: windshield wiper blades, like rubber belts and hoses, are susceptible to heat damage, and should be checked for signs of wear, Mr. Trudeau said. If there are any visible imperfections, they should be replaced before the vehicle can be considered safe for travel. · Cooling system: Ensuring a vehicle's cooling system has been flushed and coolant level is adequate could keep passengers cool and the vehicle's engine from overheating during a long summer drive. · Fluid levels: If it's been a while since a vehicle's oil has been changed, it's important to take care of it before embarking on a trip, Mr. Trudeau said. He also advised topping off automatic transmission, power steering, brake and windshield washer fluids, as well as checking for possible leaks. If any are found, the vehicle should be serviced before it is driven for a considerable distance. · Lights: All lights on and around the vehicle should be in working order. Head, brake, interior and trailer lights, if applicable, should be checked, as well as turn signals and emergency flashers. · Air conditioning: Children, seniors and some adults can be sensitive to heat. To keep them safe and comfortable during summer drives, it is important to make sure that the vehicle's are conditioning system is functioning properly. In case of an emergency, travelers might also want to pack an emergency roadside kit containing the following items: · Cell phone · First aid kit · Flashlight · Flares and a white flag · Jumper cables · Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire · Work gloves and a change of clothes · Basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak) · A jug of water and paper towels for cleaning up · Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines · Extra windshield washer fluid · Maps For more information call (781) 377-5136 or visit www.safercar.gov.