Summer is an exciting time to pile into the car and set off on a road trip, seeking cool mountains or breezy beaches. All those extra miles can put some strain on your car, though, and without the right preparation, you might find yourself stranded on the open road in need of auto repair. The guide below offers a few simple ways to get your vehicle ready for vacation.

How to Prepare a Vehicle for Summer Travel

1. Check the Car’s Fluids

Oil helps lubricate the moving parts of an engine. Coolant helps to absorb heat that might otherwise lead to a breakdown. Meanwhile, brake fluid helps drivers come to a safe stop. Make sure that all of these are topped up to the levels recommended by your car’s manufacturer. In the process, check if any are dirty enough that they require a full change.

2. Fix Any Alignment Issues

Has your car been veering to one side when you’re trying to drive straight? Take it to an auto repair shop to have the alignment fixed. Without attention, this problem could cause uneven wear to the tires and damage the suspension. It can also affect your ability to react to what’s happening on the road, increasing the risk of an accident. While performing this correction, the mechanic can also look for any other issues with the car, which could possibly affect your summer vacation plans.

3. Keep a Spare

Summer heat affects tire pressure, making it more likely to experience a blowout, especially if the treads are wearing thin. Therefore, make sure to check the psi before setting out and at any major stops along the way. Even with this precaution, you don’t know what will happen on the many miles of road ahead of you. A pothole might cause a blowout, so keep a spare in the trunk at all times. This will let you carry on until you can reach an auto repair shop. Make sure you’ve packed all the necessary tools, and include a set of hazard triangles to warn oncoming drivers of your presence.

Get your car ready for vacation by taking it to Auto Quality Sales & Service. For over 20 years, they’ve served the drivers of Columbus, NE, and the surrounding areas, offering everything from routine maintenance to transmission and suspension repair. To learn about their full range of services, visit them online, or call (402) 564-7360 to schedule an auto repair appointment.