The Essential Summer Road Trip Checklist: What to Do Before You Go

Summer road trips should be all about fun. A surprise stop at a roadside attraction. An amazing diner off the beaten track you luck into. A swimming hole in a state park no one back home’s ever heard of.

An auto breakdown can really spoil these good times.

Heat is hard on your vehicle. High temperatures make tires, rubber belts, hoses and wipers degrade faster. High temps plus extra demands on your battery — like the engine cooling fan, A/C and stereo running all at once — can lead to battery failure. When you plan a road trip, make sure your vehicle is as ready to get out of town as you are.

Here’s your checklist on what to do before you leave home to be sure your vehicle is ready for the summer drive and you and your crew are prepared for a safe trip.