Thinking about hitting the road this summer? If so, there are several things you should do to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the trip ahead to make sure that vehicle maintenance doesn’t strand your family vacation in the breakdown lane.

The best thing you can do to prepare your vehicle for any sizeable trip is to subject it to a thorough inspection. Nobody wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere, so it’s far better to have a trusted professional declare your vehicle road ready than to discover a problem when it’s too late.

First, carefully look over the exterior. You can do this part yourself, but it’s always good to have a trained eye take a second look. Inspect and replace any worn or damaged wiper blades and make sure all exterior lights are functioning (including high and low beams). Clean the lenses and replace the bulbs that need it. If you have a luggage rack or any type of cargo carrier mounted on the outside of your vehicle, make sure it is still securely affixed and is not missing any attachment bolts or screws.

Closely examine your tires for excessive or uneven wear; both can indicate a more serious problem or simply the need for new tires. If your tires are in good shape, make sure there are no rocks or debris caught in the treads that can lead to flats down the road. Consult your owner’s manual to determine your vehicle’s proper tire pressure as well, and keep in mind that the heat of summer, coupled with the intense friction of a scorching hot highway, can cause serious stress to over inflated tires.

Next, have a service professional perform a thorough vehicle checkup, particularly if your vehicle’s service manual has any upcoming maintenance checkpoints (determined by mileage).

Among other things, your dealer’s service department should make sure your brakes are in proper working order and are fully prepared for the road ahead. Pay attention to how they sound and feel and note anything that feels different from usual. If you plan to tow anything, have someone take a close look at your transmission, too, to ensure strong, even shifting and acceleration.

Service professionals will also be checking all vital fluids and belts, as well as your battery to ensure that you’re properly prepared and equipped. Whether it’s a vehicle in desperate need of an oil change, a belt on the verge of snapping or a battery that’s almost out of juice, there are a number of things that can leave you stranded. A little preparation can make sure it doesn’t happen.

Make sure that you and your engine stay cool. An air conditioner that doesn’t function properly can put a quick damper on any summer road trip. The same can be said for your car as a broken radiator and cooling system can give you serious problems in the searing summer heat. Having your service professional thoroughly inspect your vehicle can keep you going strong all summer.

Last, though it may seem obvious, take the opportunity to truly give your vehicle a thorough wash and wax. The snow, salt and sand of winter and the heavy rains and pollen of spring can exact a heavy toll on your vehicle’s exterior. Even the beating sun of the season can prematurely age and wear your investment. So make sure to clean every square inch, touch up trouble areas and restore your vehicle’s healthy shine and appearance with a protective coat of wax.

Happy motoring!