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Summer is one of the best times to load up the family and take a road trip. Whether traveling a long way from home or taking a quick weekend trip, you can keep your carefully planned trip from becoming a nightmare with some simple car maintenance.

Car Check List

If your car is still under warranty, book an appointment with your dealer or mechanic to schedule a maintenance package that includes a brake and suspension inspection, oil change, tire rotation and mechanical inspection. Make sure you do this well before you plan to leave for your vacation to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

If you’re a D-I-Y kind of girl, start with your owner’s manual, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance to your vehicle. Be sure to check the following items under the hood:

o Engine oil
o Transmission fluid
o Engine coolant
o Battery

Also, visually check the tires, and tire pressure, steering components, CV-boots, lights, and mirrors. Make sure your spare tire is in good condition and that the wheel wrench and jack are in working order (and that you know how to use them!).

Pack a basic emergency kit for your car. In addition to your family’s favorite snacks and drinks, include the following:

o Energy bars, granola bars, peanut butter, raisins, and bottled water
o Jumper cables
o Tire sealer-inflator can & tire gauge
o Flashlight
o Blankets, towels and work gloves
o Simple tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, and sockets
o Flares, duct tape, and spare keys

What if the worst case scenario happens and you’re stranded with a flat tire in the middle of no-where, with no cell-phone signal to call AAA and no On-Star? Check out our video of "How to Change a Tire."