Chuseok drivers get free car services at rest areas

Local automakers are offering free car inspections at highway rest areas during the Chuseok holidays, when more than 35 million Koreans are expected to travel to their hometowns.

Hyundai Motor has set up service shops at 21 highway rest areas for free checks of coolant, engine oil and tire pressure. Inspection stations on southbound highways were opened yesterday and will be serviced through today, while those on northbound highways will open tomorrow and Friday.

Employees at service shops will also offer cleaning service, as well as free beverages and small gifts like tissues.

Kia Motors will operate at 18 rest areas under the same schedule as Hyundai. Those who downloaded Kia’s mobile automobile control application, “Q Friends,” have chances to win bicycles and coupons for oil.

Hyundai and Kia vehicle drivers can also get free navigation system updates and audio inspections at the Hwaseong rest area on the West Coast Expressway and Chiak rest area on Jungang Expressway.

GM Korea will operate service shops at 12 rest areas and offer integrated towing and emergency services during the holiday period.

Ssangyong Motor will open 10 service shops at rest areas and provide free air-conditioner cleaning. The shops will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday.

Renault Samsung Motors is offering free inspection not only on its vehicles but also other brands at eight rest areas. However, free part changes will be offered only on RSM vehicles.

Meanwhile, three tire manufacturers - Hankook, Kumho, and Nexen - will join the inspection campaign organized by the Korea Tire Manufacturers Association at Gapyeong rest area on Seoul-Chuncheon Expressway, Hwaseong rest area on the West Coast Expressway and Jinyeong rest area on the South Coast Expressway between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. today.

They will not only check tires but also add washer fluids and give away free gifts.

Foreign brands said they will provide emergency services as usual during the Chuseok holidays.

Peugeot and Nissan have already provided free inspection services ahead of the holidays. Volvo will be giving free inspections until the end of the month.

BY JOO KYUNG-DON [kjoo@joongang.co.kr]