With the summer travel season in full gear, your vehicle is likely to get quite a workout in the coming weeks.  Here are some things to keep in mind before hitting the road.

1. Do you have a spare tire?  If so, does it need replacing?  The space saver spare is only designed for temporary use up to about 50 miles.  If that is used as a fourth tire for any length of time, it most likely needs to be replaced.

2. What all do you need in your car to actually replace a tire?  Vehicles equipped with a spare tire from the factory will typically have the necessary tools for changing a tire - although finding where they are stored can sometimes be challenging.  These would include:

• Jack (and handle if separate).
• Tire Wrench (for removing and replacing lug nuts).
• Tool to pry off the wheel covers (if equipped with them).
• It is also a good idea to keep gloves to protect your hands, some rags and a working flashlight - should your emergency occur at night.

3. Should you get oil and wiper fluid checked before a road trip?  It’s an excellent idea to have these services taken care of before the trip so you can enjoy your trip without having to stop somewhere you are not familiar with to have service performed.

4. Should wiper blades be replaced after winter before traveling?  It is recommended to replace wiper blades just before winter and just before spring as those are the seasons they get used the most. So if you haven’t already done so, it’s probably time to make the switch.

5. Should I get my alignment checked?  If you plan to be spending some time on the road and the alignment is out, it could quickly create some tire wear issues.  As a general rule, have your vehicle’s alignment checked every 6,000 miles or at least twice a year. 

6. Is there anything in particular that is affected by hot summer temperature that you should pay attention to? Battery failure and overheating are common in the heat of summer, so it’s a good idea to make sure your battery is in good condition and your coolant is able to handle the high temperatures.

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