Car trouble, usually the result of neglecting preventative maintenance, brings an abrupt end to vacation plans. The situation usually means more than just a repair bill. [cont'd]
It can involve towing charges. lodging and possibly a rental car. Add that to the cost of estra phone calls, meals and general inconvenience, and the ordeal becomes expensive. This scenario can often e avoided with a pre-trip inspection performed by a qualified automotive technician.

With more travelers opting for road trips instead of air travel, the highways again will be packed. It's going to be especially important for motorists to see and be seen. Two simple checks that will increase your chances of avoiding a vision-related crash involve wipers and lighting.

WIPERS - In the 2005 National Car Care Month vehicle check lanes, 21% of participants had wipers that smeared, streaked or chattered across their windshields. Althoigh climates vary, wipers generally need replacing every six months. An easy reminder is to change wiper blades in the spring and fall when you change your clock. Be sure the windshield washers are working properly too, and keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

LIGHTING - Another important pre-trip check should be  exterior and interior lighting. Vehicle check lanes revealed an overall failure rate of over 25% in the lighting category. Duval's Service Center reminds motorists to check their lights monthly. Other suggestions from Duval's include turning on headlights both day and night. This helps define your car's position on the road, and its distance from other drivers. When your vehicle's lighting is defective, other motorists may not get the message you intend to stop or turn. The end result could be disasterous.