Summer family outings and road trips are highlights of the season, but a vehicle breakdown can spoil your adventure before it really begins. While some problems can be handled by a roadside assistance service, many others can be prevented by servicing your vehicle before heading out on the road. Below are a few tips for avoiding breakdowns this summer.

4 Tips for Preventing Summer Breakdowns

1. Check the Battery

A dead battery can leave you stranded in a parking lot miles from home, wasting valuable time waiting for roadside assistance to arrive. Have your battery tested at the start of summer, especially if it’s more than three years old, and replace it immediately if it fails to hold a charge.

2. Inspect the Tires

Old, balding, underinflated tires dramatically increase your chances of a blowout, which can be extremely dangerous at high speeds. Before leaving for a road trip, check to ensure your tread is deep enough, measure the tire pressure, and inspect the tire for cracks or signs of other damage.

3. Flush the Coolant

Your car’s engine generates a lot of heat, especially in a sweltering summer. The radiator keeps the engine cool on long trips, so check your owner’s manual to see if you’re due for a transmission flush. If not, check the levels and top off the coolant as needed.

4. Schedule an Oil Change

Regular oil changes are the single most important auto maintenance task — extending the life of your engine and preventing avoidable breakdowns. Most auto professionals recommend changing the oil every 3,000 or three months — whichever comes first. If you haven’t changed the lubricant since the beginning of spring, schedule a service before your summer trip.

If a flat tire or dead battery has brought your summer adventure to a standstill, trust the professionals at Northgate Towing to get you back on the road again. With 24/7 roadside assistance and reliable towing, they give Cincinnati drivers the dependable service they need when emergencies strike. Visit their website for more information on their services, follow their Twitter for more auto tips and advice, or call (513) 825-8036 for immediate roadside assistance.