When It Comes To "getting Away From It All," Many Americans Are Skipping The Pricey Trips Abroad And Opting To Enjoy The Many Amazing, Closer-to-home Sights From The Comfort Of Their Own Vehicles.If You're Planning A Getaway, Remember That Road Trips Can Be Tough On Cars, And Few Things Turn A Vacation Into A Nightmare Quicker Than Breaking Down In The Middle Of Nowhere. So, Before You Load The Car And Take Off, Make Sure That Your Vehicle Is In Tip-top Condition.A Pre-trip Inspection As Part Of An Overall Maintenance Program Can Give You Peace Of Mind And Help Prevent Costly Repairs.Inspect And Repair, If Needed, The Following:8226; Radiator And Cooling System, Including Water Pump, Fan And Thermostat8226; Brakes, Brake Pads And Brake Linings8226; Battery And Cables8226; Belts And Hoses8226; Engine Oil And Oil Filter8226; Wiper Blades And Washer Fluid 8226; Tire Pressure And Overall Tire Condition (including The Spare).8226; Most Importantly, Don't Leave On A Long Trip With Your Car's "Check Engine" Light On. The Check Engine Light Appears When Your Vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Computer Detects A Problem. According To Several State Air Pollution Control Districts, The Check Engine Light Is Designed To Limit Air Pollution, As Well As Alert Drivers To A Condition That Can Waste Fuel, Shorten Engine Life And Result In Potentially Expensive Repairs. If The Light Does Come On, A Quick Check Of Your Vehicle's Service Manual Can Often Identify The Problem And A Course Of Action. Those Who Take Their Car To A Mechanic Often Find That Technicians Use A Diagnostic Tool To Scan Their Vehicle And Access Trouble Codes At A Cost Of 55 To 100. A New Automotive Tool, With A Web Site, Lets Consumers Run Their Own Diagnosis, Enabling Them To Verify The Mechanic's Assessment.Called CarMD, The Tool Provides A Basic Overview Of Probable Problems With The Car's Electronic And Emissions-related Systems. It Incorporates The Same Basic Technology As Tools Used By Mechanics, But Is Said To Cost Less And Can Be Operated By Anyone. A Green Light Indicates That All Systems Are "go," A Yellow Light Signals A Possible Problem And A Red Light Means There Is A Current Problem And Service Is Required. For More In-depth Information, Simply Plug The Tool Into Your Personal Computer And Turn It On. It Will Connect To The Company's Web Site And Provide A Comprehensive Report On Your Vehicle's Health, Including Possible Problems, Estimated Fixes And Repair Costs.
