Did you know that the Naperville and Lisle Townships TRIAD offers free car safety evaluations twice per year for people over 50 years?
On Sat., May 11, between 8AM and Noon, you can drive right on up for a free clinic where your vehicle will be inspected on a variety of items including exterior lights, belts, hoses, tires, fluids, interior, and wipers to name a few.
According to Jim Vondran, one of two organizers of the event, 30 different inspections are made on vehicles to help prepare cars for summer and winter driving. The event is held at 4719 Indiana Avenue in Lisle where participants will remain in their cars while volunteers from the Model T Pioneers will check lights, followed by the Miata Club pit crew volunteers checking tires, and finally the MG car club volunteers who check under the hood.
The inspection is a drive-through process where participants remain in their cars enjoying free snacks, coffee and a goody bag.
Following the inspection, the AARP Drivers Safety organization will conduct a CARFIT inspection where they evaluate the fit inside the car such as positioning drivers properly, adjusting mirrors properly, correct use of seatbelts etc. The entire process typically takes under 30 minutes.
Vondran and his co-organizer, Debbie Breihan, witnessed participation soar to 80 seniors last fall, which was a record number and a long way since the original 2009 numbers of just six cars.
For Vondran, the program is essential to senior drivers, especially women, who are often victimized or scammed into pricey markups. Having these inspections can be reassuring and validating.
No advance registration is involved. You can just show up with your vehicle on Sat., May 11, and you will be directed in line. The fall car care clinic is planned for October 11.
Carpe Diem!
