Summer Travel Time - not this year?

Of course the price of gas is on everyone's thoughts and conversations this spring. Every day the cost of a barrel of oil goes up $1, $2, $3, or more. Crazy, crazy, crazy.

So what are people going to do this summer? Heading to the beach or going camping? Nearly 60% of Americans are cutting back their vacation plans because of gas prices, according to a survey by Discover Financial Services. This is not all bad news for the independent automotive repair service center. Instead of driving to Florida or North Carolina for vacation, Ohioans might just drive to Cedar Point for a 3 day weekend. That's a difference of 600-800 miles! Expect more of your customers to stick within a 200 mile radius for summer fun this year. Maybe they'll do a little less driving overall, but it is a different type of driving. And that vehicle will still need to be maintained.

In addition to fulfilling your customer's maintenance needs, now is a great time to help them find additional ways to save money when traveling. Develop a "vacation tips" newsletter to hand out when your customer picks up their vehicle.

Here's some websites you can use to help develop your newsletter:
AAA has a website that can calculate exactly how much you'll spend on gas. Just enter the destination and car model into the calculator at AAA. It's pretty cool. I just entered the information for my sedan and my husband's Windstar. If we drive the car on our planned vacation, it will cost us about $214. If we drive the van, it will cost us $251. Guess what? We'll be driving the van. But we'll have a cooler packed with sandwiches, snacks, and soft drinks - the 3 "s"s of family travel!

To help customers find inexpensive gas along the way, direct them to gasbuddy.com. Some GPS systems can help find cheap gas as well.

Other ways they can save while on vacation include - packing a cooler with drinks and snacks for while they're on the road. Sure beats paying $1.79 for a Pepsi at the Sunoco. Go out for lunch instead of dinner. Use coupons for special events and attractions. If staying in a city for a while, buy a book of passes for attractions or coupons for restaurants and hotels. Plan to visit museums on their free or reduced price day.

Be sure to include tips for getting better gas mileage in your newsletter. Some of these tips can lead to additional business for you. Simple things like proper tire inflation and a steady speed can improve mpg by several points.

Now is the time to get closer to your customer, become a valued adviser on all things automotive as well as their best source for top quality service.