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            Summer vacation is fast approaching which means road trip season for many Saskatchewan families. Now’s the time to make your travel plans and check your vehicles, including campers and RVs to get them road ready.  

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Here are a few automotive and driving tips from CAA to help keep motorists safe this summer: 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Automotive & Recreation Vehicle Tips:

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Have your vehicle inspected prior to travelling to ensure your vehicle is in top operating condition and to avoid breakdowns during your summer travels.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý •  If unexpected breakdowns do occur, be sure to have access to a roadside assistance provider like CAA. The CAA Mobile App is also available to access roadside service or for CAA Member benefits including TripTiks, tour books and maps. Ask about travel insurance as well. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • The tires are one of the most important items. Check for adequate tread depth, uneven tread wear, bulges, cuts, and proper tire inflation. Signs of tire problems include a side-to-side wobble at slow speeds; an increased shimmy or vibration at highway speeds; a sharp pull to the side; weaving or fishtailing.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Also check the brake fluid, the coolant and oil plus window washer fluids.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Remember to check radiator hoses, examine belts, and check proper belt tension, as well as the windshield wipers. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Vehicle batteries should also be checked and this can be easily completed at the CAA Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot, or at any CAA Approved Auto Repair Service.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • The wheels on recreation vehicles, boat trailers and camper trailers should be checked as well. The wheel lug nuts need to be set to the proper torque to make sure they do not come loose or come off the trailer. Wheel bearings should be greased and adjusted annually and trailer suspension springs also need to be inspected for wear.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Read the vehicle or RV owner’s manual for mechanical or maintenance information. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Driving Safety Tips:

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Plan ahead, remain focused with a positive attitude, and refrain from any form of distracted driving including use of a mobile device while driving. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Check weather and road conditions to and from the destination and allow enough time to safely reach your destination. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Ensure seatbelts are in proper working condition. Children should be safely secured in car or booster seats that are properly installed. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Slow to 60 km/h on Saskatchewan highways when passing working tow truck operators, emergency responders and construction workers.  It’s a matter of life and death. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Be on the look out for farm machinery on our roads and remember deer and moose are very much part of Saskatchewan’s landscape so best to drive with caution and remain focused and attentive. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Please obey the posted speed limit.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Carry a fully-charged cell phone for emergency purposes only and appoint a passenger to manage your phone and navigation needs. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Pack a vehicle safety kit available at all CAA Saskatchewan Stores and on-line.  Also have non-perishable food and water packed for all occupants.  

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Drivers, pull over when safe to do so, to make phone calls, text or review maps. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Gas prices are easily accessible via the CAA app & CAA Gas Price Monitor.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • Never drink and drive. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý • If you’re overtired, stop regularly for breaks or appoint a second driver to help with driving.