Summer road trips in the United States have a certain allure. An American road trip is full of sights, people, and places that will inspire you. If you’ve been inspired to take a cross-country trip, you should know that planning is essential. Few things beat a long road trip, but poor planning and a lack of car maintenance can quickly put an end to the fun.

Check the following items ahead of time to ensure your road trip goes as smoothly as possible:

• Braking System

A vehicle’s braking system is one of its most important safety features. It can, however, overheat and endanger you, especially if it hasn’t been serviced in a while. So, before you get in the car, make sure the brakes are in good working order. You’ll never know what kind of conditions you’ll face on the road, from different animals that may cross the highway to stop-and-go city traffic.

Squeaking, grinding, sponginess when applying the brake pedal, and steering-wheel shaking are all indications that your braking system requires maintenance.

• Tires

To prevent a flat-tire disaster on your trip, have a skilled technician inspect the tires and alignment. A tire check includes the following tasks, among others:

      1. Tire Pressure

Over or under-inflation of a tire can result in a variety of problems, including premature wear, a bumpy ride, overheating, and even tire blowout. As a result, it’s critical to make sure the tire pressure is set to the recommended level in the vehicle owner’s manual.

      2. Tire Wear

Is the pattern of tire wear uneven? Is the tread in good shape? You can’t rely on your tires if the tread isn’t deep enough or if they’re worn to the point where they can’t gain traction.

A thorough tire inspection can also reveal misalignment, which harms both the tires and the fuel economy.

      3. Fluids

All fluids should be checked, including oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid,  washer fluid, and antifreeze fluid. Check the oil level and the due date or mileage for the oil change.

If you are nearing these figures, you should change your oil before embarking on your long journey.

      4. Lighting

When driving at night, the headlights of a car are obviously the source of light. However, there are several bulbs inside the cabin that require inspection and replacement on a regular basis.

Nothing is more infuriating than attempting to use an interior light only to discover that it is inoperable. Lights are typically simple to replace, and most auto shops, such as HEART Auto Care, stock a wide range of replacements, saving you a trip to the dealer.

With these suggestions, your vehicle should be prepared for an exciting road trip.