published: Friday, November 28, 2008

Stay safe if you're traveling

Thanksgiving is a time for each of us to look back on the past year and be thankful for what we have. It's also when many of us reunite and celebrate with family and friends.

To help reduce potential problems with your vehicle, AAA recommends adhering to the following guidelines:

n Ensure you have the proper mixture of water and coolant in your radiator. Coolant has a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point, so it will perform better in extreme temperatures. That's good advice, especially if your travel plans have you heading outside of the Sunshine State.

n Check your tires for tread depth, proper inflation, and overall condition

n Don't neglect your wiper blades. Bad weather can be dangerous without a clear windshield.

n Have your belts and hoses checked every time you have your oil changed. Temperature changes can deteriorate rubber components quicker than you think.

And even though gasoline is averaging about $1 less a gallon than this time last year, follow these tips to keep you from burning even more fuel:

n Keep tires properly inflated

n Slow down

n Lighten the load -- removing extra weight can improve fuel efficiency

n Avoid quick starts and sudden stops

n Consolidate trips

n Use cruise control when possible

n Travel when traffic is light, saving you time and maximizing gas mileage

n Keep luggage inside the vehicle. Strapping luggage to the roof decreases fuel economy.

Above all, safety is paramount when traveling this coming week. Allow yourself the extra time when traveling, because those few minutes may mean the difference of being in a hurry and getting into an accident, or arriving safely at your destination.