Summer road trip travel tips

Summer is just around the corner, and for many that means time for a road trip!

According to AAA, about eight million drivers will run into trouble on the road, between now and Labor Day.

NewsChannel 3 has some tips on how to make your next trip safer, and more affordable.

First, check your tires.

“Tires are the only thing that separates you your passengers and the road,” said Matt Eckman, the regional manager for Big Brand Tires. He recommends keeping an eye on the tread and alignment. He recommends rotating the tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

He also recommends checking the tire pressure once a month.

“Proper air pressure actually increases your fuel economy by 3.3 percent,” said Eckman.

Another important part of auto maintenance — keeping fluids full and clean.

“Dirty oil will be dark brown or black,” explained Eckman. A few more tips:

Map your route, keep valuables in the trunk and have roadside assistance contact information on hand — just in case.

For more safety tips and information, go to exchange.aaa.com/automobiles-travel/automobiles/holiday-road-trip-travel-tips/