Travel To The Turkey SafelyTips from Firestone Complete Auto Care™ to keep you safe on the road this season
BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. (Nov. 16, 2006)- More than 30 million drivers hit the road at Thanksgiving last year, according to the American Automobile Association, and with gas prices almost 80 cents lower than last year’s peak, more Americans may make the drive to visit family and friends during one of the busiest travel times of the year.
To help keep travelers out of harm’s way, Firestone Complete Auto Care™ offers the following tips to make the annual Thanksgiving turkey run as safe as possible:
- When the weather turns colder, it is important to be proactive—both on the road and in vehicle maintenance. Have an automotive technician make sure the vehicle is mechanically sound by checking the battery, fluid levels, exhaust system, defrosting and heating system, and the windshield wipers.
- In cold weather, it is important to keep the gas tank at least one-half full at all times. The fuel reserve will be important to avoid being stranded in holiday traffic. The additional gasoline will also add more weight to the vehicle, which will increase traction on the road.
- Tires can lose one pound per square inch of air pressure for each 10-degree drop in temperature. Check your inflation pressure more frequently during the cold months. Under-inflation will lessen the gripping action because the tire tread will not meet the road surface as it was designed to do.
- See your service professional for proper installation of winter tires, which will reduce the danger of driving through rough winter conditions. Winter tires have special treads and are made of unique compounds designed to give you maximum grip in cold, slippery weather.
- In icy conditions, avoid sudden movements of the car. Accelerate gently, turn gradually, and ease on the brakes when stopping. If you start skidding and your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes and turn in the direction of the skid. Don’t pump the brakes.
- Prepare for winter weather by storing emergency supplies in the trunk. Important items to have on hand in case of a storm are: a properly inflated spare tire, an ice scraper, flashlight, blanket, extra clothing, candles/matches, bottled water, snacks, any necessary medication and a cell phone with a car charger.
During the holiday travel season, when the weather becomes wintry and the traffic becomes tricky, Firestone Complete Auto Care asks all drivers to raise the level of safety and awareness on the road, so we can all enjoy a safer season.
About Firestone Complete Auto Care™:
Firestone Complete Auto Care™ is owned and operated by BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC). Technicians perform part repairs and replacements, routine scheduled maintenance services, and a variety of diagnostic services covering major systems within a vehicle. To learn more about driving tips and maintenance or Firestone Complete Auto Care locations, visit www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com.
About Bridgestone Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC:
BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC) is headquartered in Bloomingdale, Ill., and operates the largest number of company-owned automotive retail generalist stores in the world—more than 2,200 consumer and commercial vehicle service and tire locations across the United States and Canada—including Firestone Complete Auto Care™, TiresPlus™, ExpertTire, Wheel Works, and GCR Tire Centers store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care operations are also part of BFRC. BFRC is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies.