SafeAmerica Credit Union

Holiday Travel

• By Kevin Alvarez

Tips and Tricks for Your Summer Road Trip

A historic period of uncertainty, finally on its way out. With the reopening of the state of California upon us and the built up frustration from stay-at-home orders set back in March of 2020, many Americans are expected to travel up to 500 miles from their homes this summer via road trips as a way to help wash away the stagnant year we all never saw coming.

California families have been juggling a handful of “from home” routines, from distance learning to working from home and everything in between for nearly 16 months now. So with little ones out of school for their summer vacation and recent high school and college graduates (congratulations!), this summer season is going to be one we will all appreciate for years to come.

To help our members and community prepare for upcoming travel we came up with a list of things to prepare you for an easy-going road trip (or two or three).

The summer heat influences a handful of important components with your vehicle—air conditioner, tires, oil, battery, fuel, coolant and even your wiper blades. Keep this heat factor in mind while reading over this blog post.

Vehicle Road Trip Reminders

Check Your Fluids

According to AAA you should be checking your vehicle's fluids more often than the dealer's recommended amount, with consistent monitoring you will have a better idea of when your vehicle's fluids need to be topped off.

Oil - When was the last time you had an oil and oil filter change? New vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 miles or every 6 months, while “older” vehicles require an oil change every 3,000 or 3 months. Know the life of your oil and if it can endure a road trip at the distance you plan on covering. There are plenty of recommendations from each of the many auto makers out there. Make sure you are aware of your specific vehicle’s recommendations for an oil change service.

Brake Fluid – Do you remember the last time you changed your brakes, let alone the brake fluid? Brake fluid is used every time you press on your brake pedal and it is generally recommended to flush your brake fluids every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Anti-Freeze/Coolant/Radiator Fluid – This summer is due to be a hot one. On top of staying hydrated, drivers need to make sure their vehicles coolant is topped off to prevent radiators from overheating and leaving you stranded.

Wiper Fluid/Blades – A windshield full of bugs is bound to happen and who knows what other muck gets on there. Go over your wipers and windshield to clear any debris that may be lurking on the base of your wiper blades as well as the wiper blades themselves. There are occurrences when debris clings to the blades themselves and scratches your windshield. This can also happen from old and worn wiper blades. The metal design which presses the blades down to your car could be exposed and leave “streaks” or scratches on your windshield. Due to excessive heat, you can prevent the rubber blade from melting onto your windshield by leaving them in the standing up maintenance/wash position.

Transmission Fluid – Do you know the status of your transmission? What about transmission fluid? If your vehicle has been jerking when you accelerate or leaving a burning smell, it may be best to get your vehicle looked at by a professional and maybe even using a different vehicle for your road trip.

Check Your Vehicle's Belts

  • Serpentine Belt
  • Drive Belt/ V Belt
  • Timing Belt
  • Accessory Belt

Timing-belt of alternator.

Check Your Vehicle's Hoses

  • Low Pressure Fuel hose
  • High Pressure Fuel hose
  • Radiator hose
  • Heater Hose
  • Power Steering hose
  • Hydraulic Hose
  • A/C Hose
  • Vacuum Hose

Check Your Tires and Tire Tread

Do you remember when you last changed your tires? Look over your wheels for any signs of tears or for any foreign objects such as screws that may compromise your wheel’s integrity. If it’s been a few years since your tires have been changed or even rotated them, then it wouldn’t hurt to check the tread life of all four of your vehicle’s tires.

You Can Easily Do This With A Penny

  • place a penny into a groove with the side of Abraham Lincoln’s portrait facing you
  • Rotate the penny so the top of Abe’s head is touching the surface of your tire
  • Based on how much of Abraham Lincoln’s head you are able to see, will determine if you should change your tires. If you are able to see his head, it is time to change your tires right away.

Inspecting tire tread using a penny.

Check Your Battery

Go over your battery’s connections to make sure they are clear of any debris or battery corrosion and ensure your battery is fastened securely to your vehicle. You can always visit an auto parts store for a free battery test to provide an accurate reading of your battery’s overall life.

Example of a corroded car battery.

Emergency Roadside Kit SuppliesTo make unexpected roadside situations easier to bear with, you should consider carrying the following items in your vehicle:

  • Emergency contact info
  • Insurance/registration information
  • Reliable tow company information
  • Spare tire that is inflated to its specified pound per square inch (psi)
  • Lug nut lock key
  • Lug nut wrench
  • Reliable Jack stand Kit(make sure to get one that is strong enough for your vehicle)
  • Car escape tools/Pocket knives (seat belt cutter/glass breaker)
  • Jumper cables
  • Basic assortment of tools to operate on your vehicle
  • Blankets
  • A change of clothes
  • Flashlight(s) with extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water
  • Nonperishable foods
  • Can opener
  • Phone charging cable(s) AND wall plug
  • Safety vest and hazard reflective roadside triangles (set of 3). Place the first triangle 10 feet behind your vehicle, the second triangle 100 feet behind your vehicle and the final triangle, 300 feet from your vehicle. All reflective triangles should be on the side closest to oncoming traffic.

red triangle red emergency stop sign red emergency symbol.

There are many variables that need to work together efficiently in order have a car running smoothly and unless you managed to grab a new auto during the microchip/parts shortage this last year, best to take all preventative steps available to ensure a safe and memorable road trip.

Get out and explore this summer. A Personal Loan from SafeAmerica Credit Union can help make it happen – and the funds can be used for just about anything, including road trips!

We want to help you make memories. Act now to receive a free AAA membership with your new Personal Loan. AAA offers travel services, discounts and insurance, road-side assistance and more!

Free AAA Membership

Sources

  1. “Quick Tips For Checking Your Vehicle's Fluids,” AAA (blog), accessed July 7, 2021, https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/quick-tips-for-checking-vehicle-fluids
  2.  “Get Your Vehicle Check During AAA Car Care Month,” AAA (blog), October 9, 2013, accessed July 7, 2021, http://news.aaa-calif.com/news/get-a-vehicle-check-during-aaa-car-care-month
  3. "Tire Tread Depth" Firestone (blog), accessed July 7, 2021, https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/penny-tire-test/
  4. "How To Test A Car Battery At Home with (No Equipment)" (blog), October 23, 2018, accessed July 7, 2021,  https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/batteries/how-to-test-car-battery-at-home/
  5. "The Best Gear For A Roadside Emergency" (blog) May 18, 2021, accessed July 8, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gear-for-a-roadside-emergency/
  6. "Know-How Notes: All About Hoses" (blog), accessed July 8 2021, https://knowhow.napaonline.com/know-notes-hoses/

• By Kevin Alvarez

Holiday Travel (COVID Style)

We were all hoping the world would be at a better place for holiday travel, yet the holidays are right around the corner. To that affect, it seems like ages ago when we were able to enjoy a cup of coffee at our favorite cafe, enjoy a Sunday brunch with our families, or even have our families/friends over for the holidays. It’s been unbelievable to see how businesses and communities from around the world have been affected. Still, we can use the ever-present opportunity of technology to remind each other that, as with any situation, this too shall pass.

Did You Know...

Humans are social creatures. We need to socialize in order to survive. From teaching each other different life skills, to having a sense of identity as well as belonging, the bottom line is we need to communicate with those we love to ease some of the present tension and anxiety.

Holiday Travel Using The Internet Highway

The present limitations mean holiday travel poses a greater risk for loved ones than usual, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create meaningful memories and experiences through technology. While it may seem silly at first, just remember it is all part of the experience, and more importantly, having those close to you know they are important.

Video conferencing sites can help spread positivity , much needed social connection as well as memories during the holidays.

Take The Northbound FaceTime Highway To Visit Your Family For The Holidays

All activities can be done through your preferred video conferencing sites. They essentially boil down to what is easiest to navigate for you and your loved ones. Some examples include:

- Zoom
- FaceTime through Apple products
- Skype
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Hangouts

Don’t Forget To Bring The Main Dish (Holiday Activities)

Ugly Sweater Contest

Have family and friends join your video conference with their favorite ugly sweater or you could even have them email you a photo of them in it for you to screen share with everyone on your call. The winner can receive an online gift card along with some holiday recognition.

You Can Follow Up The Ugly Sweater Contest With …

Holiday Movie Trivia

There are plenty of online sites that can provide great trivia for your family to participate in. A simple online search can set you in the right direction for any type of movie for all to enjoy. (Yes, even Frozen and Die Hard)

Movie Trivia Followed By Some…

(Insert Holiday Theme Here) Charades

Go around and have everyone act out a scene from a holiday film while others try their best to guess the film. Simple and another activity at your disposal.

Virtual Movie Theater Roulette

To begin, make sure to have everyone get their favorite movie snack in time for this event as well as sending in their favorite holiday movie title. At the time of the event, fill a jar with your choice of small holiday sweets to have your participants guess the amount or even come close, to assist with picking a person to choose a movie that was submitted. By watching the film together and having the video call, this allows everyone to share commentary on any funny or memorable parts. This process can be done weekly to go through all the submitted movies to ensure everyone gets to watch their favorite holiday movie.

The Holidays Have A Very Distinct Look, Feel And Sound, So Toss In A…

Virtual Jukebox (Online Playlists)

Using a similar format to the Virtual Movie Theater Roulette, have everyone send in a few songs and you can either have participants guess who sent in the tune OR what the name of the tune is.

You Have Options To Structure It All Exactly How It Would Best Fit You and Your Loved Ones…

Chubby Elf

Think of “chubby bunny” but with a holiday twist. Have participants munch on their favorite holiday snacks while reciting a line from a film, ALL while having everyone else guess the film.

Take The Exit (Video Call Ending)

Close off the online hangout with some recognition. This year has affected events we took for granted, so make sure to recognize any accomplishments that would have been celebrated in person by giving an online shout out. It’s all about making each other feel special, as we all know everyone can benefit from this.