Warmer weather typically brings an increase in automobile travel as people head for vacation destinations. While you shouldn’t leave home without having access to emergency roadside assistance, it is also a good idea to perform maintenance services on your car to decrease your chance of needing to use it. Below are some tips to help your car be ready for your next trip.

1) Check your tire pressure regularly. A tire that is over- or under-inflated can be very dangerous in summer weather. You should be aware that for every increase of 10 degrees in outside air temperature, your tire pressure can vary one to two pounds per square inch (PSI).

2) Change your oil and oil filter. Check your owner’s manual for the recommendations specific to your vehicle. Mechanics recommend that you change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles.

3) Replace your windshield wipers. Winter brings extreme temperatures, ice, snow, and salt that can tear the rubber on your windshield wipers, making them less effective. Since torrential downpours are not uncommon in the spring and summer months, you want to make sure that your wipers are in a condition to handle the volume and keep your line of sight clear.

4) Have your breaks checked. If you sense your car is breaking differently or you hear scraping or grinding sounds coming from your breaks, make sure to have them checked immediately. This is paramount for your safety on the road.

5) Have your cooling system checked. It is important that you maintain the proper level of antifreeze in your car, as well as make sure the hoses, pumps, and thermostats associated with antifreeze use are free of any defects.

6) Never ignore an indication or warning light on your dashboard. They are there for your safety. Failing to do so will guarantee that eventually, you will find yourself in need of emergency road service.