Summer Road Trip Prep

Inspect Belts
One of the most common and most easily prevented breakdowns is the trusty old accessory belt, which, once broken, leaves you dead and lifeless on the side of the road.

Check Tires
Check tires for excessive or uneven wear. If the tread has worn unevenly, you may need an alignment or have a suspension problem. Make sure the tires are inflated to the level recommended by the auto manufacturer—that information is found on a plate on the driver's side doorframe. Under-inflated tires are a hazard and can cut fuel economy by as much as two percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level. Over-inflated tires generate more heat, wear out more quickly and can cause a rough ride. Make sure your spare tire is intact and properly inflated and that the car jack is easily reached and serviceable. If the last tool to touch your wheels was pneumatic, make sure the lug nuts will submit to your socket wrench.

Lights On
Check all lights, including turn signals, stop lights, everything that's supposed to light up or flicker. Make sure your flashlight is working as well, and if you don't have one in your vehicle, get one.

4x4 Tips
If your vacation vehicle is a 4x4, especially if it's a 4x4 that's seen lots of dirt or off-road time, check your air filter, even if the vehicle has been serviced regularly. Check the suspension and lube points as well. These are the systems that take the worst beating during off-road travel. While suspension problems usually give you fair warning, that still leaves you with the decision to tough it out with your fingers crossed or spend valuable vacation time in a mechanic's waiting room.

Emergency Kit
With all the above checks and double-checks, you're almost good to go. Just one last thing, however—your vehicle needs its own first aid kit. That means extra fluids, such as a quart of oil, container of pre-diluted coolant and wiper fluid. Don't forget to include a replacement fuse kit, a can of quick tire repair, an empty container for fuel and some replacement hoses or belts. Now, your ride should be ready. Have a great trip—and don't forget the SPF!