So you’re getting ready to take a big summer road trip; the last thing you want is to find yourself stuck in a strange repair shop, hundreds of miles from home, with out-of-state tags and a stack of suitcases in the back.

So your best bet is to have your car checked and serviced before you head out on the road.

Road Trip Car Checklist

Here is what to check to get your car road trip ready:

1. Start by reviewing your owners manual; it’ll have a list of all service recommendations based on your car’s mileage. Keep in mind that you’re going to be adding a lot of miles on your trip, so if you’re getting close to a recommended service milestone, now’s the time to take care of it.
2. Take your car to your local Cottman center and ask for a complete safety check. Explain that you’ll be going on a road trip and want to make sure you don’t have any surprises while you’re gone. They’ll understand exactly what that means.
3. Have them check all the normal wear items. This will include the tires, brakes, suspension and steering, and motor mounts. At the same time, they should make sure all your lights and wipers are working like new. And they should adjust the tire pressures to compensate for the warmer weather.
4. If you haven’t had your car’s engine oil changed recently, do it now. And consider using one of the slightly heavier recommended oils; engine oils thin out as they get hotter. You can also consider using a synthetic oil, because they tend to maintain their viscosity through a wider range of temperatures but always use the motor oil weight recommended by the manufacturer of your particular vehicle.
5. While the technician’s under the hood, you’ll want him to check the hoses and belts, all the fluid levels, and the battery terminals.  If anything else looks iffy, have them check that as well.
6. Finally, have the technician check the air conditioning system. Doing so will ensure that it’s working right. Don’t forget your comfort: this is a vacation.  You want to relax and be comfortable while driving along on those hot summer days.

A few simple checks can make the difference between a memorable summer vacation and a nightmare you just can’t forget.

Distracted driving, especially among young people, has become recognized by safety experts and the public as one of the biggest risks on our roads and highways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has designated April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and police agencies throughout the U.S. will be extra vigilant by enforcing laws that prohibit texting and use of cell phones while driving, under the banner of the “U Drive, U Text, U Pay” campaign.

Distracted Driving Statistics

“Although texting and talking on cell phones gets the major public attention, there are other causes of distraction that can divert a driver’s attention from the road,” said Randy Wright, President of Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, a nationwide chain of franchised total auto repair centers. One of the biggest causes of distraction, especially for new teen drivers, is having other teens in the car, he noted.

A recently-released AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study shows 15 percent of distraction-related teen driver crashes involved interaction with one or more passengers. That’s a greater frequency than cell phone use, which was cited in 12 percent of teen crashes.

NHTSA statistics show crashes are more common among young drivers than any other age group. Nationwide, one in four crash fatalities involves someone 16 to 24 years old, which is nearly twice as high as other age groups. Traffic crashes continue to be the biggest cause of teen deaths, with more than 3,000 teens killed every year on roads and highways in the U.S.

NHTSA reports that 10 percent of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time of the crash — the largest proportion of all age groups.

In addition to cell phone use, distractions while driving can include eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, using a navigation system, watching a video and adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player.

NHTSA has a wealth of information about distraction and teen driving at www.nhtsa.gov.

Driving Safety Videos

Some excellent videos on distracted driving, including one called “Generation tXt,” are available for free download from The National Road Safety Foundation at www.teenlane.org.

April is National Car Care Month and the experts at Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, a nationwide chain that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic, offer some simple tips to keep your car in good shape for the spring and summer peak driving season.

Car Maintenance Tips

With spring, in most areas, comes rain – the so-called April showers that bring May flowers. Those showers also can create hazardous driving conditions like wet, slick roads. It is important to make sure your car’s tires, brakes and windshield wipers are ready for the rain. It’s also a good time to check the windshield wiper fluid to be sure it’s full.

In most areas, winter weather is rough on tires and the suspension system, so an important part of the spring checkup could include wheel balancing. This will help give a smoother ride and save wear and tear on the tires.

Cottman also recommends a check of all fluids, hoses and the battery as part of spring car care.

“Regular checkups help ensure that your car will remain safe and trouble-free,” said Randy Wright, President of Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care.

Car Care Guide

A comprehensive 75-page Car Care Guide is available free from the Car Care Council.

The updated guide boasts 20 pages of new materials for motorists and is available free, electronically or by printed copy, in English and Spanish. The guide covers major services, 12 component groups within the vehicle, service interval recommendations and more.

To view or order the Car Care Guide online, click on http://www.carcare.org/car-care-resource/car-care-guide/.

FAQ Page

• What level of education is required to purchase a Cottman Franchise?
  • High School graduate is preferred as a minimum requirement
• Does Cottman provide a website to all Franchisees?
  • Yes.  Each franchisee has a local website that is developed and specific to that particular area.
• Is it required to be a mechanic to purchase a Cottman Franchise?
  • No
• What type of marketing assistance does Cottman provide to the franchise?
  • Cottman provides a complete digital strategy for each franchise on an ongoing basis, which includes but is not limited to business listing optimization, PPC (pay per click), SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Mobile advertising, and responsive design local websites, and also offers traditional and yellow page advertising, with continuing support with the input from the owner.
• Why type of operations training help does Cottman provide?
  • Cottman has in-field training as well as quarterly training at the corporate headquarters in Horsham, Pennsylvania.
• What is the average income earned by a Cottman Franchisee?
  • Will depend on the commitment of the franchise.  Cottman does not currently make any earnings claims or financial performance representations in its FDD.
• What is the term of a Cottman Franchise? When does it need to be renewed?
  • 15-year term.  Must be renewed by no later than 90 days before expiration date. There is no charge to renew.
• Does Cottman sell auto parts needed to run the business?
  • No
• What is the approval process for an application?
  • Proper financial qualifications, followed by a credit/background check.
• What are the royalty fees required?
  • 7.5 %
• Is buying a current Cottman center an option?
  • Yes.  In fact, the only way to be part of this brand is to purchase an existing center that is up for resale, or otherwise a franchise in a market/territory where a prior center may have recently closed, which opportunities are limited in supply.
• What are the financial requirements?
  • A credit score of 675 or higher, $50k-$75k cash, available within 30 days, or 20% of the sale price. A net worth of 100k or more.

Winter driving can be treacherous in most parts of the country, with snow, ice and freezing temperatures making roads especially hazardous.

The experts at Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, a nationwide automotive service and repair network of licensed centers, offer simple tips to keep your car running smoothly and safely during the winter months ahead.

How To Ensure Winter Driving Safety For Your Car

1. Keep traction in mind. Traction and visibility are major factors to consider in winter, said Joe Josko, regional director for Cottman.  “Too many people neglect their tires, so be sure your tires are safe, with good tread.” He cautions against relying on so-called “high-performance tires” that come with some sporty cars.  “They don’t perform well in heavy rain and snow.” He recommends all-season tires with good tread.
2. Keep extra salt or sand in the car. Even the best tires can lose traction on ice. The experts at Cottman also recommend keeping a piece of old carpeting in the trunk, so if you get stuck you can place the carpet in front of the drive wheels to give the tires something to grab onto to help get the car moving.
3. Visibility is crucial, especially in winter weather.  Paul Dintino, a regional director for Cottman, said it’s important to keep the windows clear.  “Replace wiper blades with winter-style blades, which do a better job of keeping the windshield clear,” he suggested.  Refill the washer fluid and keep spare fluid in the car.
4. Wipe snow and grime from headlights and tail lights. Dintino says that ice and remnants of snow on lights can substantially diminish forward visibility and make it difficult for drivers to see your vehicle.
5. Check for weak or dead batteries. This is another major winter problem. The Cottman experts recommend a simple load test to be sure the battery has ample power for cold-weather starts.  They also suggest having the battery terminals cleaned to permit maximum power to flow from the battery to the starter.
6. Anti-freeze should be checked for the winter.  This will protect radiator and engine block from freezing and cracking, which can lead to very costly repair jobs.
7. Don’t speed and drive extra carefully in winter weather.  Slow down on curves and be vigilant for black ice.

Inclimate Weather Safety

Dintino says advance preparation is a key element in winter driving safety. Seemingly small things like keeping a lock de-icer product in your coat or purse can help keep you from getting locked out. Keep extra sweaters and blankets in the car to keep you warm if you get stranded. Flares can help warn other drivers if you get stuck and can also draw the attention of the police to help you.

The Cottman experts suggest drivers check their owner’s manuals to see what specific steps are recommended for winter care for their vehicle.

“Some advance planning and extra caution can keep your car running safely during tough winter months,” Dintino said.