What are your plans for the holiday weekend? Are you planning a camping trip somewhere in the U.P. Maybe you are planning to visit friends of relatives downstate? Perhaps you have just planning to drive to some of the nearby celebrations like the Gladstone or Escanaba Fourth of July celebrations. The are being held on Friday and Saturday, so residents who wish can attend both.

One of the things that can ruin your plans quicker than a thunderstorm is car trouble. Tjis is a case where a little prevention goes a long way.

“As you finalize your travel plans, don’t forget to check your vehicle’s condition,” said Adrienne Woodland, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A simple pre-trip inspection of your tires, battery, brakes, and other essentials can prevent unexpected breakdowns.”

Tips to Prevent Car Problems

– Check your tires – Ensure proper inflation and tread depth. Don’t forget the spare!

– Inspect your brakes – Grinding noises or vibrations signal a need for service.

– Test your battery – If your engine starts slowly or the lights are dim, it may be time for a replacement. AAA members can get battery checks at a AAA Car Care, Approved Auto Repair Facility or call AAA to request on-site service.

– Replace wiper blades – If your wipers streak or don’t clear the windshield thoroughly, replace them.

– Top off fluids – check oil, coolant, and brake, transmission, and power steering fluids. Use products recommended in your owner’s manual.

– Replenish your emergency kit – Include essentials like a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, emergency flares, and a basic tool kit.

What to Do If You Experience Car Trouble

– Safely get to the nearest exit or stopping point.

– Pull over as far as possible to create distance from passing traffic.

– Turn on your hazard lights.

– Call for help via phone, website, or the AAA Mobile app.

– Stay with your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.

– If you exit, watch for traffic before moving to a safe location.

Safe Driving Reminders

AAA reminds drivers that ‘crashes hit different when they happen to you.’ On average, 40,000 people per year are killed in traffic crashes. The four most common factors are speed, distraction, impairment, and not wearing a seatbelt.

To avoid becoming a statistic, AAA recommends:

– Watch your speed – Speeding contributes to a third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Slow down and stay in control.

– Stay focused – Distracted driving kills thousands yearly. Avoid phone use, eating, or passenger distractions while driving.

– Don’t drive impaired – Alcohol and drugs compromise judgment, motor skills, and reaction time. If impaired, find a safe alternative.

– Stay alert – Fatigue is as dangerous as drunk driving. Take breaks every 100 miles or two hours to stay refreshed.

– Wear your seatbelt – Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injury and save lives in a crash. Buckle up, every trip, every time.

Move Over for Roadside Workers and Stranded Motorists:

Roadside crashes claim nearly 350 lives annually, including one tow operator every other week. AAA urges drivers to obey Move Over laws and give space to stranded motorists, tow trucks, and emergency responders.

“Our roadside technicians risk their lives to help stranded drivers,” Woodland added. “If you see flashing lights, move over or slow down. This simple act can make all the difference in protecting those who work tirelessly to keep drivers safe.”