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AAA: Get ready for record-breaking July Fourth travel

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters
A record-setting number of Americans are expected to travel for Fourth of July festivities
A record-setting number of Americans are expected to travel for Fourth of July festivities AAA East Central

Are you taking a road trip this Fourth of July?

With a record-setting number of Americans expected to hit the road this weekend, AAA recommends ensuring your vehicle is in top condition to prevent breakdowns.

AAA projects that approximately 43.2 million people drive 50 miles or more away from home during Independence Day weekend, more than ever recorded before.

Since so many drivers will be on the road, AAA technicians expect to assist more than 400,000 motorists nationwide.

Avoid calling a tow and get your vehicles checked before hitting the road.

Tips for travel

“As the summer travel season heats up, we are seeing thousands of calls for towing assistance, usually due to a variety of mechanical issues, along with calls for dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts,” said Mike Hoshaw, vice president of automotive services, AAA East Central. “Many of these calls could be prevented by taking your vehicle to a trusted repair facility for a checkup before leaving on that summer road trip.”

On holidays, AAA says many calls often come requesting towing due to mechanical issues, help with dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts.

AAA offers the following tips for “smart keys and keyless entry fobs:

  • Always take your keys when exiting the car,
  • Avoid exposing the keyless-entry remote or smart keys to water
  • Always replace the key or fob battery when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

AAA offers the following tips for planning a safe road trip:

  • Schedule a vehicle checkup and test the battery every year
  • Fill tires with air, get tires rotated regularly
  • Fuel up before hitting the road
  • Pack an emergency kit and make an emergency plan
  • Check for spare tires
  • Always take your key with you when leaving your car

According to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, The average gasoline price across Northeast Ohio is 11 cents lower this week at $3.412 per gallon.

Gas prices

Northeast Ohio average: $3.412

The average price last week: $3.526

The average price last year: $4.860

As the Independence Day holiday approaches, drivers find prices significantly lower than last year, as low oil costs keep gas prices relatively stable.

The national average for a gallon of gas has remained steady since last week at $3.57. That’s $1.32 less than a year ago and the same as one month ago.

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