If your summer plans include road trips, you could hit some roadblocks. Many travelers are struggling to find a rental car. Early in the pandemic, rental car companies sold large portions of their inventory and now that travel is rebounding, consumers are finding fewer choices and higher prices.

A recent New York Times article highlighted the nationwide issue. Destination Analysts Travel Trends Survey for the week of May 4 found travel enthusiasm at a pandemic-record with 77% of survey respondents reporting high levels of excitement about travel this year.

READ ALSO: 15 must-see places for an Arizona road trip

“Properly maintaining your vehicle and addressing critical repairs as soon as possible is always smart,” says Jim Garnard with Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO). “But with the current rental car crunch, that advice takes on added importance.”

Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) expect to see a bump in summer business as people make travel plans. Before you hit the road, consider the following suggestions:

Check fluids

• Make sure engine oil, brake, transmission, power steering and windshield washer fluids look good and full.

Inspect and replace any cracked or brittle belts and hoses.

Check windshield wipers

• If wipers are older than six months you may want to replace them.

• Check the wiper fluid, then wipers. Do they clear the windshield or streak?

• At the very least, you’ll want to spray glass cleaner on a paper towel and wipe the blades.

Check tires

• Look for uneven wear and damage.

• Measure the tread depth using the penny test. Insert a penny into the groove with Lincoln’s head upside down facing you. If you can see all of his head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and tires should be replaced immediately.

• Check inflation before driving (when tires are considered cold) referencing the sticker in the driver’s doorjamb or the owner’s manual.

Make sure turn signals, headlights and brake lights are clean and working.

Check the weather forecast and prepare for the worst. While the Valley’s weather is often picture perfect that’s not often the case in other areas.

See something that doesn’t look right or maybe unsure what you’re looking at? Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals are happy to check it out with you and explain what you’re seeing, hearing or smelling.

NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals): The Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops. NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Visit www.NARPRO.com to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.

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