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Get your vehicle ready for road trip season with these handy tips

CAA North & East Ontario News Release *********************** Ottawa - We all get that joyous feeling at the first signs of spring; when we can grill outside without shovelling a path to the barbecue, dust off our patio sets and open windows wide to
CAA North & East Ontario
News Release

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Ottawa - We all get that joyous feeling at the first signs of spring; when we can grill outside without shovelling a path to the barbecue, dust off our patio sets and open windows wide to air out our homes. And while you’re getting things in and around your house ready for the spring season, it’s important not to forget about your
vehicle.

“Most motorists already know the importance of preparing their vehicle for winter conditions, but it is equally important to prepare a vehicle for the warmer seasons when many of us are on the road more often,” said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for CAANEO.

CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) offers the following helpful tips to ensure your vehicle is road trip ready this spring. Before you hit the road, have your car tuned up at a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS) facility.

Remember that it is essential to your vehicle’s performance to have your oil changed every 5,000 km or 3 months (whichever comes first) and keep all fluids topped up.

To ensure you can see and be seen, check all lights to ensure they're in good working order, including the headlights, brake, reverse, parking, turn indicators, hazard lights, licence plate and the high mount stop lamp.

Give the interior and exterior a thorough cleaning to remove salt, sand and dirt accumulated over winter.

To optimize fuel efficiency, keep your engine, brakes, transmission, and steering properly maintained and have your air filters inspected. A poorly maintained engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%.

Make sure your tire pressure is within factory specifications. The vehicle's owner's manual will have recommendations.

Check your wiper blades and replace if they appear worn or damaged. While wiper blades are critical for safety, they have a life span of only about 12 months.

Not only will these simple car care tips from CAANEO help ensure your vehicle remains in top working condition, they will also keep you and your passengers safe during all your road trips.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, Emergency Road Services, insurance and advocacy for its Members.

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