With 72 percent of Americans planning to hop in the car and take a road trip this summer, according to a MapQuest study, drivers will need their cars to be in top shape while they are away from home. Companies will want to capitalize on this business by educating customers on the potential dangers before they drive away.

“The key to avoiding trouble on the road while vacationing is having the car checked by a mechanic before leaving,” said Bob Tschippert, senior vice-president for Aftermarket Services and Special Account Services, Universal Underwriters Group. “Alerting customers to this type of "vacation-saving" service will help retain business and increase your profits during the summer months and beyond.” Businesses can bring back repeat customers and attract new ones by making them aware of vacation driving hazards. “Business owners can use summer maintenance check-ups as a marketing tool to reach new customers,” Tschippert said. “Providing low-cost repair services and making basic maintenance suggestions that drivers can do themselves helps build trust for longterm customer relationships.”

Catching these travelers’ attention can be challenging, though. To capitalize on the summer travel season, businesses can reach out to vacationers by using the following techniques:

Determine vacation packages.
Pick services your business is equipped to perform quickly and at a high volume to meet the needs of vacationing customers.

Keep current customers in the know.
Post notices in your business and send out mailers emphasizing the importance of a routine check-up before hitting the road.

Make alliances with other businesses.
Team up with travel agents and trip planners like your local AAA office to advertise your business’ maintenance package to their members.

Offer a discounted service.
Give travelers an incentive to come in to get their car checked by offering a discount on services such as oil changes or a tire upgrade when getting new tires.

Organize a “Summer Maintenance Day.”
Pick a Saturday and have your mechanics perform convenient check-ups at a discount for people without a scheduled appointment.

Work with local media to catch consumers’ attention.
Offer interviews to local newspapers and TV stations to help remind vacation drivers to get their cars checked out before they hit the road. Keep your business hot this summer. Use the increased number of road trips this vacation season to increase the number of visits to your business.

For additional information, visit Universal Underwriters at www.universalunderwriters.com.