Local auto expert offers tips ahead of Memorial Day travel

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, bus, or train, it’s going to be a busy weekend.

Several Michiganders will be traveling by car. Intrix, a leading transportation analyst, said the worst time to travel is Thursday and Friday between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., the best being before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m. No matter when you travel, you want to make sure your car is ready for the road.

Many Michiganders are loading up their cars and hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend. Craig Fountain, the owner of Randall Automotive, said it’s business as usual ahead of the holiday.

“We always get a little push just before the holiday. Everybody’s trying to get in and get their preparations done before they hit the road,” said Fountain.

According to AAA, over 1 million Michiganders will hit the roadways during the Memorial Day holiday.

“One of the second busiest Memorial Day holiday travels for Michigan ever since AAA began compiling these numbers back in 2000,” said AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland.

Road and bridge construction projects might lead to delays, and you don’t want to be the driver that further slows down traffic. So, make sure your car is ready to go. Fountain said car maintenance starts with your tires.

“Definitely want to check your time pressure. You can actually look in the inside of your door to see what the tire pressure should be. Make sure you got adequate tread,” said Fountain.

Hitting potholes can lower tire pressure, leading to more trips to the gas station.

“As your tire pressure goes down, it’s going to increase the rolling resistance of the tire, which is going to cause drag on the car. It’s going to consume more fuel and cost you more miles per gallon,” said Fountain.

The U.S. Department of Energy said drivers save gas when following the speed limit. Aggressive (speeding, braking) driving can lower your mileage by 15 to 30 percent.

Finally, Fountain said drivers should check other fluid levels to avoid a roadside emergency.

Engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant,” said Fountain.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is removing lane restrictions from about half of its road and bridge projects beginning Friday around 3 p.m. The statewide average for gas is $3.65, so fuel up! Also, remember to click it or ticket and put your phone down.

Related: MDOT removing orange barrels to some roads statewide ahead of Memorial Day travel

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