Topic: Auto News
Almost half of all Americans say they are willing to take a road trip of up to 750 miles despite slightly higher gas prices, according to a national survey conducted by Chrysler.
New vehicle safety standards, entertainment features and enhancements in comfort have revolutionized the family road trip experience of today, making longer road trips more desirable to the traveler.
Additional results from the survey of American's travel experiences found that 55 percent of adults find road trips more enjoyable now than when they were kids and 60 percent wish their earlier vehicle had either a DVD system (35 percent) or a navigation system (25 percent).
With so many Americans taking to the road, Chrysler teamed up with family travel expert and editor of FamilyTravelForum.com Kyle McCarthy to offer Chrysler Pacifica Road Trip Savvy Tips to help families enjoy their time on the road:
While inventions like side-curtain air bags and the Chrysler Pacifica's Five Star front- and side-impact safety ratings make the road trip a much safer experience and help parents relax, it's the innovative backseat entertainment system that keeps kids happily strapped in with a ceiling mounted DVD player
Many families find new Sports Tourers like the Chrysler Pacifica so comfortable that they have to remember to stop and stretch regularly. This is especially important for toddlers and grandparents.
If you pack the cargo hold the night before departure, stash a family overnight bag with toiletries and pajamas on top, so you won't have to spend time unloading en route.
Kids can be a great help with remembering items for a trip. Determining a road trip allowance for each child, then letting them know they'll have to chip in to buy any forgotten essentials will ensure that everything makes it into the suitcase.
"Many American families are choosing to take road trips instead of flying," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Chrysler Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Modern vehicles like the Chrysler Pacifica offer flexibility and utility without sacrificing comfort and style. This vehicle gives drivers and passengers the opportunity to enjoy traveling together in the safety of their own vehicle"
To help travelers adjust to slightly higher gas prices, Chrysler Group suggests drivers take the following steps to enhance fuel economy:
Ways to Maximize Fuel Economy:
Replace dirty air filters. A clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy as much as 10 percent
Check tire pressure. Tires under inflated by just 2 psi can reduce fuel economy as much as 1 percent
Reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle by taking empty cargo carriers, bike racks, ski racks etc. off. At highway speed, 50 percent of the engine power is used to overcome aerodynamic drag
Posted by masterserg
at 12:45 PM EDT
