With the July 4 holiday fast approaching, one of the busiest holiday travel periods in the year, the Allstate Motor Club reminds travelers that effective July 1 the Virginia Department of Transportation has announced plans to limit roadside services to motorists along many of the Commonwealth's highways.

"With these new service cutbacks in Virginia, it is very important for all motorists to make sure their vehicles are 'road ready' before heading out," says Dave Prendergast, Allstate's Field Vice President for the Capital Region. "Check your battery, tire pressure, coolant, oil, transmission and windshield washer fluids before driving long distances and it isn't a bad idea to pay a few extra bucks to join a roadside service club in case you find yourself stranded on the highway."

Lean budgets have forced many states, including Virginia, to cut services. Virginia's safety-service patrols that help stranded motorists will be eliminated throughout most of the state remaining only in the densely populated areas of Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Fredericksburg.

Each year, VDOT says it helps hundreds of motorists stuck on the road and the Allstate Motor Club reports it received nearly 50,000 motorist service calls in Virginia last year, for such services as towing, flat tire, lockouts, dead battery or no start.

Cuts in state services, such as motorist assistance patrols, is one good reason why Prendergast suggests drivers join a motor club that provides roadside benefits for little cost and can assist motorists who break down, run out of gas, or have a flat tire while traveling.

Typically, motor club memberships include reimbursement for towing and roadside service, trip planning, an arrest bond certificate, a theft reward, and payment for legal services.

For your vehicle, the Car Care Council recommends the following maintenance tips for vacation travel:

- Check all fluids. There are several fluids, in addition to the antifreeze, that require attention, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

- For maximum engine life, change the oil and filter every three months or
3,000 miles or as directed in your owner's manual. Use specified oil grade and weight.

- Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorated from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.

- Check the tires. Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.

- Check the brakes. Now is a good time to check the entire system, including brake linings, rotors and drums.

- Change the wiper blades. Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering.