Tips for getting your car ready for Memorial Day weekend travel

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, lots of people are gearing up to travel.

About 1.3 million North Carolinians are estimated to be out on the roads for the unofficial start of summer.

If you are driving somewhere, it’s important to take a few minutes to ensure your vehicle is road-ready.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 350,000 roadside emergencies nationwide.

Many of the calls were for flat tires, dead batteries, and people locked out of their vehicles.

Curtis Udall is a technician with KC’s Precision Auto Shop in Leland.

He said it’s important to know what’s going on underneath your hood before you hit the road.

“If you feel comfortable under the hood of your own car checking your own oil and coolant, my suggestion is to do that,” Udall said. “Also, pay careful attention to your tires, their condition. If it’s not something you feel comfortable with, go to your trusted mechanic and let him check the vehicle over before you hit the road.”

Udall also recommends making sure your air conditioning is working properly, checking your brakes, and rotating your tires.