For many yiddishe families in the area, summer means the soothing majesty of upstate New York’s natural surroundings.

Of course, though, you have to get there first, and there are many minute details that can threaten a successful journey from the city pavement to the Catskill mountains.
That’s the pre‐summer‐exodus warning coming from the Chaveirim organization, which is thoroughly familiar with the mechanical mishaps that can beset families who are trying to escape stress rather than become engulfed in it. The organization – known as a Jewish AAA of sorts – provides roadside assistance to community members.

With masses of New York City residents preparing to make the yearly migration from homes to bungalows, three branches of Chaveirim – in Boro Park, Williamsburg and Monroe – are conducting a public “Car Safety Event” this week.

Chaveirim of Lakewood plans to hold the event in several weeks when the z’man there ends.

Open to all and free of charge, the drop‐in event offers a quick vehicle inspection that covers many basic mechanical aspects that could lead to the nightmare of a highway breakdown when it’s least wanted. While not an official Department of Motor Vehicles inspection, the 10‐minute “in‐and‐out” service is valuable, organizers say, because it can rectify simple yet menacing problems and even detect a serious mechanical problem in the making.

Chaveirim volunteers and professional mechanics will inspect each car’s exterior, engine and tires. More than 30 items will be checked on each vehicle and brief safety tips will be given to each driver. If a serious issue is discovered, the mechanics can advise what to do.

Chaveirim organizers said many people do not realize the importance of proper air pressure in tires, and adequate oil and other fluids. Many people do not know what fluids a car needs – brake fluid can be dangerously low in some cases – or how to change a flat tire. Furthermore, many new minivan drivers do not know where to find the spare tire.

Oil and other fluids will be on sale at cost price.

The event took place in Boro Park and Lakewood last year. Organizers said they inspected over a hundred vehicles in each location, even though the event took place after just a few days notice.

Chaveirim thanks Yitzy’s Towing, Ropo Tires, and the NYPD for their assistance. To reach Chaveirim’s 24‐hour hotline in the Catskills this summer, please call 718‐431‐8181.

THIS COMING SUNDAY June 14, 2009
Boro Park: Yitzy’s Towing lot on 417 Dahill Rd., Corner of 16 Avenue, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Williamsburg: The lot next to Ropo Tires on Wallabout Street, between Throop and Harrison, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

NEXT WEDNESDAY June 17, 2009
Monroe: Parking lot of Beis Rochel Paradise, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

(Hamodia Staff / YWN Desk)