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FYI
AAA Members in Colorado Springs Save Big
Did you know that many popular Colorado Springs businesses honor AAA's Show Your Card & Save® program? Whether you're one of more than 51,000 Colorado Springs members or just visiting the region, you can enjoy significant savings simply by showing your AAA card at the following merchants:
«Lenscrafters, four locations
«Walmart Pharmacy, five locations
«NAPA Auto Parts, six locations
«Hertz and Hertz Local Edition, four car rental locations
«Penske and Hertz Truck Rental, eight locations
«Over 17 Show Your Card & Save lodging partner locations
Last year, AAA members, nationwide, saved more than $315 million when they showed their AAA cards at 39,500 locations throughout North America. And in 2001, the Show Your Card & Save® program expands to Europe where members will now be able to receive discounts at 9,000 locations. For more information about Show Your Card & Save® participating businesses in Colorado Springs, visit your local Colorado Springs AAA office, or call 719-591-2222.
AAA Colorado to Open Second Office in Colorado Springs
Great news for Colorado Springs AAA members: Soon AAA Colorado will be opening a new office in your area. Look for more details in upcoming issues of The Motorist.
Hot Tips for a Cooler Summertime Engine
While hot summer days are great for outdoor fun, they can be tough on your vehicle-just as brutal as the coldest winter day. In fact, AAA Colorado's Emergency Road Service department is busiest during summer's most scorching days. From time to time, this can cause service delays (especially during rush hour).
The following tips can help prevent vapor lock emergencies (one of the most common roadside summer heat-related emergencies).
o Keep your air conditioner turned off during rush hour traffic. This reduces the strain on your engine and cooling system.
o Set the heater on high and turn the fan to full blast. You'll feel uncomfortable, but the extra cooling action on the engine might help. If it doesn't, pull over, put the car in neutral and race the engine to circulate more coolant.
o If all else fails, pull off the road, turn off the engine, and open the hood for 20-30 minutes to let the engine cool.
o Never pour cold water on the engine block. This can cause it to crack. Instead, wrap the fuel line and fuel pump with wet rags to speed up the cooling process.
o Don't continue to try starting the car. This can flood the engine or damage the starter or battery.
o Your car will most likely restart in 30 minutes, so it isn't usually necessary to call AAA for a tow.
o If you've called AAA for road service and then you are able to restart your car, please call the Club immediately to cancel your road service request.
AAA TripTiks® Available Online 24 hours a Day!
Before you hit the road on your next adventure, plan your trip with AAA's new Internet TripTik®. It's easy, convenient-and available 24 hours a day. Simply visit our Web site at www.aaa.com, (Maps & Directions) then click on the travel planning icon. Fill in your starting location and destination point (and a stop in between). In no time you'll receive a customized trip routing to print out and take with you.
If you prefer, order your TripTiks®, TourBooks® and maps by phone. Save time by having your order mailed directly to your home or office. Our trained counselors are available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Denver call 303-753-8800, ext. 8295. Outside metro Denver call toll-free 877-244-9790, ext. 8295. Plan ahead to allow 7-10 business days for processing and delivery of your phone-ordered TripTik®.
Whether you plan your next trip online or over the phone, everyone at AAA Colorado wishes you happy travels this summer!
Top Ten Fuel Conservation Techniques from AAA
As gas prices continue to rise, it pays to conserve fuel. These 10 tips are good for your budget, your car and the environment.
1. Keep tires properly inflated. This reduces the resistance your vehicle must overcome to start moving and keep going.
2. Accelerate gently. Brake gradually. Avoid hard stops. Quick acceleration and speeds requiring hard braking waste fuel.
3. Don't idle. Idling consumes a half gallon to one gallon of gas per hour. It wastes more gas than an engine restart.
4. Check engine oil levels. Oil keeps the engine properly lubricated.
5. Shop for the best gas prices in your area.
6. Combine errands into a single trip or go to one location to take care of as many errands as possible.
7. Pack lightly when traveling. Stowing items on the roof increases wind resistance and, thus, fuel usage.
8. Check your vehicle's manual to ensure that you are using the proper grade of fuel. Mid-grade or premium fuel may not be necessary.
9. Carpool to work or school.
10. If you have more than one vehicle, use the one with the best gas mileage for most of your trips.
AAA Preferred Cruise Partners Serve North American Beef
With the recent outbreak of mad cow disease in England, many AAA members are concerned about whether it's safe to eat beef on European cruises. Rest assured, all beef served aboard AAA Preferred Partner cruise lines in Europe-Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Crystal-comes from North American cattle. AAA members are in no danger of contamination.
Travelers Can Take Precautions Against Spreading Hoof-and-Mouth Disease
If you go abroad this summer, AAA recommends that you help protect U.S. livestock by observing the following guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
o Five days prior to departure, travelers returning from Europe should avoid zoos, fairs, farms, barns, stockyards, animal clinics and other areas where cloven-hoofed animals are present.o Before returning to America, wash or wipe (with a mild bleach solution) all clothing, shoes and personal items that may be soiled.
o Do not bring agricultural products into the United States. Notify Customs and USDA officials of any farm or animal contact.
o Be prepared for extra agricultural inspections at time of reentry. o Once home, avoid contact with livestock or wildlife for five days.
Show Your Card & Save® Partner Hampton Inn and AAA Team Up to Save Treasured Landmarks
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From quirky to historic, memorable landmarks grace the roadsides of every American town and city. Time and weather have taken their toll on many of these fun vacation spots. This year, AAA joins the Hampton Inn's "Explore the Highway with Hampton" save-a-landmark effort to help restore these treasured roadside attractions.
As a AAA member, you can make a difference. Tell us about one of your favorite landmarks, where it's located, what it needs (a little paint, a new roof, improved landscaping, etc.) and we'll do the rest.
One lucky AAA member who nominates the selected landmark will receive a grand prize trip for two to visit the landmark restoration (including economy airfare and five nights' hotel accommodations at a Hampton Inn or Hampton Inn & Suites hotel), a one-year AAA membership or renewal and $2,000 in cash.
For information on how to submit your recommendation, contact your local AAA office or see the inside front cover of this issue. Entries must be postmarked by August 31, 2001.
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