Make Sure Your Car is Ready for Summer Road Trips

Few things feel as great as packing a suitcase and hitting the road for the beach, Disney World, your favorite casino or a family lake cabin in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire.

It's what summer feels like in the Northeast.

Only, it's not that relaxing if you have a car maintenance problem, such as windshield wipers that smear more than clean or another "surprise." Here are some things to think about before that big weekend trip, powered by our friends at Levine Auto & Truck Parts:

1) Make sure your windshield wipers are reliable. RAIN-X suggests replacing your wipers every 6 to 12 months, or when you start noticing them squeaking across the windshield or streaking, splitting or skipping the moisture instead of working evenly.

2) Take it for a test drive a week or two before the big trip. Mobil Oil suggests going at high speeds on a highway and looking for "grinding or moaning" wheels, shimmying or squeaking when braking, steering that seems to pull or drift, a soft brake pedal, and the like. If something seems off, best to have it checked out before you leave.

3) Take care of your cooling system. "The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating," according to Levine Auto & Truck Parts. "The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically."

4) Think about your battery. Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can affect the battery, so if it's been awhile since you had it checked, now's a great time to do so, according to esurance.

5) Be prepared for the worst. Refresh (or create) an emergency kit. Consumer Reports suggests including water, extra snacks, a blanket, flashlight and first-aid kit, as well as some basic tools.

As you're working through this checklist, don't forget: Levine Auto & Truck Parts is one of the state's largest after-market auto and truck parts supplier. They have four warehouses and more than 150,000 part numbers in stock.

Stop by one of their eight locations or shop online with convenience at levineauto.com.