Summertime means different things to different people, but judging from the increased traffic on highways across America, road trip season has begun. Department of Transportation data reveals that on average 10 billion more miles are logged by Americans in May than in April. If you are a contributor to these staggering summer driving statistics, it is well worth it to take some time to prepare your car for the summer driving season.

As 34 million Americans plan to drive more than 50 miles to their Memorial Day holiday destinations, a few basic precautions will save drivers time and money on their travel. Give your tires, which bear the brunt of the travel load, some love with proper tire pressure levels. This will not only ensure a safer journey, but it will pay off at the pump. The correct tire air pressure in your car can improve your gas mileage by 10 percent. Also, check your treads with the penny test to make sure you aren’t overdue for new tires. And, be sure you don’t ditch your spare to make room for your beach chairs.

An engine tune-up should also be part of the road trip preparation regimen. The peace of mind you will get on your vacation knowing your car is running clean before the rubber meets the road will add enjoyment to your travel. Additionally, an engine tune-up involves cleaning out the clogged fuel injectors, dirty air and fuel filters and corroded spark plugs, which will increase your gas mileage. 

Last but not least on your road trip preparation checklist is an A/C performance test. Your best friend during the summer heat may seem to be working well on the cool morning hours in your shady neighborhood, but an A/C system failure will quickly affect the comfort level of your family vacation when you are stuck in beach traffic in the middle of a hot summer afternoon. An A/C check examines intricate system components and their performance. This precautionary service is well worth it and helps prevent you from taking a beating from the heat.