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So summer’s right around the corner, and summer means road trips and vacations in the family car. Is your car up to the job? Here are some things you’ll want to check over before you pack up and hit the road…

Fluids: That means coolant, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, motor oil. You’ll need to make sure you’ve got plenty of each, and that they’re clean, free of contamination and in good shape. Coolant and motor oil, in particular, are essential to dissipating heat and keeping your vehicle at a normal operating temperature.

Tires: This one’s really important, because long miles, a loaded-up car, and high temperatures are very stressful on a set of tires. Examine your tires carefully for uneven wear, bulges in the sidewalls or exposed cord or belts. Check inflation (remember to check before the tires are warmed up), have them rotated (every 5,000 miles is the rule) and check the tread depth. Take a penny and stick it in a tread groove; if the rubber reaches Lincoln’s head, your tires are at a depth of 2/32” and should be replaced right away. Try again with a quarter; does the rubber reach the top of George Washington’s head? That’s a tread depth of 4/32”. Once again with the penny and see if the tread reaches the Lincoln Memorial; if so, your tires are at a depth of 6/32” and are good for awhile.

Lights: It’s easy to not know if you have a taillight out until you get pulled over! Check all your headlights and taillights.

A/C service: Even a late model car can lose as much as 5 percent of its refrigerant over a year. If your A/C seems a little weak, have it checked over and recharged if necessary.

Family road trips are still one of the best ways to see the United States at your own pace and to set your own destinations. Before you take it out on the road, come by Don Owen Tire and let’s make sure your vehicle’s ready for the road ahead and that you’ll have a road trip that’s trouble-free.