Hit the Road "Safely" This Summer!

DETROIT, May 28 -- As summer and vacation time approaches, more and more American families will be hitting the highways for road trips. In addition to properly maintaining your car, providing safe and enjoyable driving conditions is also important for your passengers. Following are 10 tips the service specialists at Chrysler/Jeep(R)/Dodge (C/J/D) recommend as you prepare for summer road trips:

  Vehicle Safety

  -- Change your oil and filter. Dirty oil or a contaminated filter can
      cause excessive engine wear, which can lead to poor vehicle
      performance or even premature engine failure. While having your oil
      changed by a Service Specialist, you can also have them check your
      belts and hoses, transmission fluid level, and battery and electrical
      system.

  -- Properly inflate your tires. Proper tire inflation can make a big
      difference in the way your vehicle rides and handles, improving gas
      mileage by more than three percent when maintained regularly,
      according to the Car Care Council. Also remember to properly inflate
      your spare tire. C/J/D Service Specialists also suggest having tires
      rotated every other oil change, or as directed in your owner's manual.

  -- Regularly inspect your brakes. Since your brakes wear gradually over
      time, the loss of braking power often goes undetected. Make sure to
      have your brake pads, shoes and all related equipment inspected
      regularly.

  -- Look for leaks. Be sure to check both the coolant level and your air
      conditioning system's refrigerant. Leaks in either system may cause
      your vehicle (and you) to overheat in the warm summer sun.

  -- Check your shocks and struts. Your vehicle's shocks and struts should
      be checked in conjunction with wheel alignment, or if you notice
      excessive bouncing, swaying, rocking or nose-diving while braking.

  Travel Tips

  -- Vacation & Travel Security. Few things can ruin a vacation more than
      unexpected car problems.  Now, consumers can protect themselves with
      the DaimlerChrysler Vacation & Travel Security Package. For just
      $59.99, travelers can purchase a 60-day package that provides up to
      $1,000 of trip interruption protection including transportation, meals
      and lodging if a vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from home.
      The package also allows for rental car allowance for any necessary
      overnight repairs, trip routing and auto valet concierge service,
      discount coupons and a pre-trip oil change, plus lube and vehicle
      safety inspection.

  -- Use sun shields. Place screens in your car windshield while it is
      parked to ensure the interior does not get too hot, especially for
      children and pets. Never leave children or pets in an unattended car.

  -- Secure your car. Always lock your vehicle's doors and trunk, even at
      home, and keep your car keys out of reach of children.

  -- Take breaks. Everyone needs a break when traveling long distances. To
      ward off boredom and exhaustion, schedule frequent stops for meals or
      just some time to let kids run around a while.

  -- Keep young passengers occupied. There are many activities you can
      provide for kids in the car. Give them a kit of pencils, colored
      markers, books, paper, maps, activity books, stickers, their favorite
      CDs, etc. Use your imagination, but take into consideration the ages,
      abilities and interests of your children.