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AAA TRAVEL - your personal travel experts

Auto Travel Tips

Use this checklist before heading off on your auto trip to decrease the risk that you'll need to call AAA road service.

Car Maintenance: check your vehicle's fluid levels, belts, hoses and tires
Review Your Map: know where you're going and how you'll get there
In Case Of Emergency: pack a flashlight, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher, and always carry a cell phone
Secure Your Home: make your home appear lived-in, lock all windows and doors, close shades, stop newspaper delivery, have the post office hold your mail, set a light to operate on a timer, and don't mention your trip on your outgoing voice message

Keep a full gas tank as well as doors locked, windows up, safety belts buckled, and your children in properly installed safety seats
Stay on main roads and highways
Hitchhikers: don't pick them up
Rest stops: always go in restrooms with your children
Stranded driver: instead of stopping, use your cell phone or find a pay phone and notify the police; note mile marker and other identifying information
Fender benders: if your car is bumped by someone else, don't automatically jump out to check for damage; consider motioning the offending driver to follow you to a more public place, such as an open service station or a police or fire station
Traffic lights: remember to leave space in front of you so you have maneuvering room if needed

Breakdown and you can't move: get everyone out of the vehicle and onto the shoulder safely away from traffic; if you must walk to a phone, keep your group together
Breakdown and you can move: get your vehicle off the roadway, onto the shoulder and away from guardrails; once safely off the road, stay inside your vehicle until a police officer or AAA road service vehicle arrives
Signs for help: raise your hood, tie a white cloth to a door handle or use reflective triangles
Good samaritan: if someone approaches to help, roll down your window enough to ask him or her to call police
Do not ride with strangers: be wary if someone is overanxious to help
Attention called to trouble: if someone motions that you have a flat tire or your vehicle is smoking, either don't stop until he or she has left or try to find a service station or populated place