You're heading out on a road trip and have all the essentials music, snacks and a full tank of gas. Everything is ready to go, or so you think.

Last summer, AAA rescued 7 million motorists from car issues including dead batteries, lock outs and flat tires. Stay ahead of the game by getting a pre-road trip checkup for your car to make sure everything is in working order. You'll thank yourself when the only stops you have to make are planned ones! 

With 64 percent of families taking road trips this year, summer car care is a must. We tend to think of winter as being harsh on our cars, but the truth is that summer can be just as bad.

"Summer heat can do more damage to a car battery than cold winter temperatures, contrary to what most people think", said Steve Steinmetz, director of automotive services for AAA Western and Central New York. "Heat and age are a car battery's worst enemies."

So, what can you do to avoid killing the vacation vibe with a breakdown?

PREPARE YOUR BATTERY FOR THE HEAT

Clean any buildup from terminals and clamps and make sure your battery is properly secured to minimize vibration. Batteries have a lifespan of about three to five years, so it's important to get it and your vehicle's charging system tested, especially before a long trip, Steinmetz says. Take advantage of AAA's free battery testing for members to give yourself some peace of mind.

KEEP YOUR COOLANT (AND OTHER FLUIDS) IN CHECK

Top off fluids before heading out to minimize the chance of a breakdown. Double-checking the coolant levels and getting the system flushed regularly will keep your engine running smoothly.

CHECK TIRES

Properly inflated tires are essential all year. If your tires are under inflated, they're more likely to overheat and blow out. Ensure the tread depth is sufficient and inflate your tires to the vehicle manufacturer specifications. You should also look for signs of uneven wear that may indicate an alignment problem, especially considering all of the potholes we have seen.

EMERGENCY KITS AREN'T JUST FOR WINTER

Keep your emergency kit stocked during warmer months! A few granola bars and bottles of water may come in handy when waiting for help to arrive. important items to have in your car throughout the year include a first aid kit, flashlight, cell phone charger and booster cables, says Steinmetz.

GET A PRE-TRIP CHECKUP

Members can request a complimentary multi-point vehicle safety check with any paid service at 80+ AAA Approved Auto Repair shops in the area. These expert technicians have met AAA's stringent service standards and can be great sources of information and guidance before a long trip.

CAR CARE BENEFITS FOR AAA MEMBERS

• 10% discount on repair labor
• Member-preferred pricing on select maintenance services
• Preliminary diagnosis within one hour of tow arrival
• 2-year/24,000 mile guarantee on parts & labor
• Free multi-point inspection by appointment
• AAA stands behind all repairs with member support as needed

AAA Car Care Plus