Hamburg NY (April, 2005)
In advance of the busy and notoriously dangerous summer travel season, Joe’s Auto Service is offering a free Pre-Trip Checkup at their Hamburg NY location service and repair center. By appointment, the certified technicians at Joe’s Auto are performing 10-minute pre-trip checkups free of charge in an effort to help summer travelers avoid unnecessary mechanical breakdowns and accidents, and to encourage regular vehicle maintenance. The Joe’s Auto Service center is located at 3756 Lakeview Road Hamburg NY.
A last-minute checkup is certainly better than no checkup at all, but whether they do it themselves or come see us, motorists should really plan ahead so any necessary maintenance can be taken care of without delaying travel plans, said Joe’s Auto Service General Manager Mike Szlachetka. We’re happy to offer this checkup at no charge because we’re concerned about drivers’ safety, especially this time of year.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 13,000 Americans are killed between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, some a result of unperformed vehicle maintenance. Each year, neglected maintenance leads to more than 2,600 deaths, nearly 100,000 disabling injuries and more than $2 billion in lost wages, medical expenses and property damage.
According to Szlachetka, most mechanical failures can be traced to neglected maintenance. The United States Department of Transportation reports the leading cause of mechanical breakdown on our nation’s highways is overheating, a condition that is easily avoidable. Other deficiencies that are simple to detect include low antifreeze/coolant, worn or loose drive belts and defective cooling system hoses.
A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps something that is becoming more important to everyone, added Szlachetka.
The Car Care Council, a national non-profit educational organization, suggests three key components for a traveler’s 10-minute pre-trip checklist:
- Check all fluids. There are several fluids, in addition to antifreeze, that require attention, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.
- Check the tires. Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.
In addition to reducing the chances of costly and possibly dangerous road trouble, a pre-trip inspection also provides an opportunity to have repairs made locally by technicians who know your vehicle. Szlachetka added that it also provides peace of mind.
Car trouble is the last thing you want to deal with on vacation. And while no inspection can guarantee a car’s performance, it’s comforting to know you’ve taken proper precautions.