Summer Road Trips Warrant Car Check-Ups

If a cross-country road trip is on your schedule this summer or you plan a short weekend drive to a favorite lake destination, you're not alone. According to Roper ASW, a New York research firm, two-thirds of Americans are planning summer vacations this year, and 82 percent say their travels will keep them within the continental United States .

If you're hitting the highway, you need to be sure your car is in tip-top condition for the drive, whether it's a long journey or short jaunt. A recent AAA survey found that 28 percent of motorists had at least one problem in the last year that disabled their vehicle, and proper car maintenance and preparation can help you avoid being inconvenienced by untimely breakdowns. For all you vacationers out there, take a moment to review this checklist to help ensure those summer road trips run smoothly:

Check and inflate the tires

Inspect tread wear and maintain pressure indicated in the owner's manual. Check pressure with a gauge when tires are cold. In case of a flat, be equipped with a full-size spare and a jack. A full-size spare is safer than a doughnut because it can accommodate the extra weight of people and suitcases in the car. If you run over a nail or broken glass and develop a slow leak, a can of tire inflator can plug the leak temporarily until you reach your destination or the nearest repair shop.

Ensure windshield wipers are in good condition

For optimum visibility, replace them if they are split, leave streaks or skip.

Fill up on fluids

Make sure your car has the proper levels of oil, radiator/coolant and windshield washer solvent, as well as transmission, power steering and brake fluids. Have an extra quart of oil on hand just in case you run low.

Bring a roadside emergency kit and a first aid kit.

Road trip essentials include items such as jumper cables, flares, a high-powered flashlight, all-purpose leather gloves, a rain poncho or coveralls, a lug wrench and even extra nuts. Having some basic medical supplies on hand is also a good idea in the event of an emergency.

Check battery terminals for corrosion.

Clean terminals with a wire brush dipped in baking soda and water.

Inspect the car's belts and hoses.

Press the middle of the serpentine belt to test tension. If the belt gives more than 1 to 1-1/2 inches, tighten or replace it. Also be sure to check hoses for cracks or fraying.

Make sure the air filter is clean.

Hold the filter up to a light. If you can't see light through it, replace it.

Double check to make sure lights and signals are in working order.

Replace bulbs as necessary

Keep things cool.

If you're driving in hot weather, consider turning down the air conditioner to conserve battery power, especially while driving in stop-and-go traffic. And, if your car engine's temperature gauge approaches the "red zone," roll down the windows and turn the heat on full blast to draw heat away from the engine. If this doesn't work, pull off to the side of the road, turn the engine off and wait for the radiator to cool completely.

Ensure your children's car seats are properly installed.

A quick stop by your local police station will ensure that your children's car seats are in working order and pass full inspections for safety. Likewise, make sure all seatbelts in the vehicle fit snugly for optimum safety and comfort.