DESPITE SOARING gasoline prices, many road, it’s a good idea to take your car to a cer- you’re on a road trip, the Tire Center’s com-
find the call of the open road irresistible— tified, reputable mechanic for a full checkup. pany-wide automated invoicing system links
especially as summer approaches. Some head If you are inclined to handle this yourself, your information to all 340 Tire Centers in
for their favorite campsites year after year; Costco warehouses carry many of the neces- the United States. Note: If you need ultra-
others love discovering new heavens off the sary supplies, such as motor oil, fuel injector high-performance tires for a sports car or
beaten path. cleaner, antifreeze and car batteries. other specialty tires, you can get them through
Regardless of where the open road leads Kick the tires. If it’s time to replace your the Tire Center’s special-order catalog.
you, Costco and costco.com can save you car’s tires, you’ll find some of the finest-qual- Keep the tank topped. Fuel has become
time and money getting ready for a road trip. ity tires and the utmost in service, as well as one of a trip’s biggest expenses. Costco Gas
Here’s a guide. unbeatable prices, at the Costco Tire Center Stations meet or beat fuel prices of sur-
Planning your trip. You’ll find Rand at your local warehouse and online through rounding competitors at all 235 locations
McNally road atlases at your local warehouse. costco.com. Costco Tire Center prices in- across the U.S. For a complete list of Costco
Also, Rand McNally’s Web site, www.rand clude mounting, balancing, new valve stems, gas stations, visit costco.com and click on
mcnally.com, features a “plan a road trip” sec- a road-hazard warranty, air-pressure checks “Gas Stations.”
tion that includes useful details to help you and lifetime flat repair, rotation and balanc- In the trunk. Costco warehouses and
get the most out of a trip. If your road trip ing. Many other tire dealers offer low prices, costco.com offer useful items to keep on hand
will include lodging at hotels, Costco Travel, but they often don’t include tire rotation, bal- inside your car such as an emergency road-
available on costco.com, offers discounted ancing and other features, making them side kit (through costco.com), portable mul-
hotel rooms for Costco members. much more expensive in the long run. tifunction jump-starter boxes, tools and
Under the hood.Before you hit the open And if you have tire problems while spotlights.—Will Fifield
Bpuyıecr’sk
Carmen Westbrook
Automotive Buyer
Grip Tech II double-loop wheel brush
gently cleans away brake dust and road
gunk. A super-soft flow-through brush
head with bristles on all sides gently
cleans the hood, bumpers, doors and roof.
Finally, the system includes a set of
interior brushes for taking care of annoying dirt and dust around vents, and a
brush to quickly clean debris from carpet
I DON’T USUALLY enjoy washing my car. and mats.
I used to wait to see “WASH ME” scribbled Hmm … I think I’ll buy my husband
in the dirt on my car’s back window before one for his birthday! C
I would get out a bucket and sponge.
But cleaning my car inside and out is
quick and easy with Carrand’s new car-care system. Carrand’s high-quality
wash brush and pole uses an innovative
quick-connect nozzle system that easily
attaches to the pole for washing and
rinsing away dirt and grime. This same
nozzle attaches to a scrub brush,
included in the pack, which is great for
cleaning tires and grills.
For the wheels and lug nuts, the
Pet peeves: Safe
travels with Fido
IF YOU’RE TRAVELING with your pet in
the car this summer, keep these tips in
mind, as advised by Seniors-Site.com.
• Make short trips with the pet a week
or two before the trip to accustom it
to motion.
• Choose a way to restrain the pet: a
harness, which connects to the car’s
seat belt, or a carrier. Don’t allow the
pet to put its head out the window.
• Always use a leash when traveling.
Pets can become frightened and confused in new surroundings and may
try to wander off to find home.
• Ask your vet about pet sedatives.
• Bring along these supplies: paper
towels, a scooper and plastic bag, pet
food, food and water dishes, treats, a
favorite toy, a blanket and a brush.
• Always check with the motel or campground to see if they accept pets. C
