FREE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS AND CHILD CAR SEAT CHECKS OFFERED BY AAA

News from AAA South Dakota, October 7, 2008 – AAA South Dakota is offering motorists a safety fair to get your car ready for winter and to make sure your child car seat is installed properly. 

Both events will run simultaneously at the AAA office at 49th St. and Louise Ave. in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Oct. 11th. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; no reservations or AAA membership required, and there is no charge.

During past car seat inspections, up to 90 percent of seats were found to have been installed incorrectly. Harnesses aren’t tight enough, the belts are going through the wrong slots, or the child is too heavy for the seat – these kinds of things.

Use of child car seats reduces injuries by 70 percent and deaths by 90 percent if they’re used properly. Certified technicians will be on hand October 11 to check yours.

Vehicle inspections will also be performed. Four out of five cars and pickups on the road right now are running on under-inflated tires. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and enhance vehicle handling.

Besides tires, AAA will also be inspecting: lubricants and fluids, batteries, hoses and belts, lights and horns, wiper blades and washer fluid. Maintenance forms detailing results of the inspection will be given to each motorist who stops by and has his or her vehicle checked.  These forms will show exactly what items need attention.

The sponsor of these dual events is AAA South Dakota. Call 605-336-3690 for more information.