Now that snow, salt and shovelling are over, there’s a good chance your members or employees are starting to think about hitting the road. The cottage is calling. Day trips are in the works. A week at the beach is around the corner. But before packing bags and jumping behind the wheel for an extended drive on the highway, it’s important to put family safety first. It’s time to take your vehicle to a dealership or licensed mechanic for a springtime tune up.

Canada’s harsh winters cause a lot of wear and tear on our cars, vans and trucks each year.

• Icy road conditions and slower commutes take their toll.
• Exhaust systems can rust from the inside out.
• Rutted roads put suspensions through a workout.
• Brake callipers have corroded slides, which cause them to drag and wear out the tires.
• Wiper blades often need replacing after months of heavy use.

Know what is being offered

While some spring tune ups consist of changing sparkplugs, checking filters, scanning codes and refilling fluids, others include fuel injector flushing and other more comprehensive services. Before agreeing to pay for a tune up, it’s important to ask exactly what the repair shop will include.

Keep it safe on the road

Ensuring a vehicle is in good working order can make the difference between a hassle-free road trip and stalling out at the side of the road waiting for assistance. Even properly maintained cars can experience mechanical problems or breakdowns from time to time, so it pays to stay alert and be prepared.

Here are some other tips to stay safe on the road this spring and summer.

1. Stay connected. Always carry a fully charged cell phone and car charger for emergencies, and pull over if you need to make a call.
   
2. Keep well stocked first aid and vehicle emergency kits in the car appropriate for all-season driving.
   
3. Always wear seatbelts and ensure children’s car seats have not expired and are installed properly.
   
4. Avoid fatigue and stay focused. If you need to pull over somewhere safe to sleep, do it.
   
5. Check the vehicle’s lights, tire pressure and fluid levels before long trips.

Safety alone is reason enough to keep a vehicle in good shape but, as an added bonus, a well-maintained car, van or truck will get better gas mileage, too. Look into our auto insurance options available for your members or employees.