Planning a trip to the beach this summer or trying to get away for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend? Don’t forget to inspect your vehicle before vacations to ensure safer travel and to put your mind at ease. The Car Care Council suggests not only gassing up your vehicle, but giving it a full inspection in order to fix any necessary changes before your road trip.

Here are some tips for inspecting your vehicle from the Car Care Council to help avoid breaking down miles away from home:

• Scheduling a tune-up before your trip to help the engine deliver the optimal balance of power and fuel economy, while also producing the lowest level of emissions.
• Check the break system and the battery.
• Inspect filters and fluids, including: engine oil, antifreeze/coolant, windshield washer and power steering, brake and transmission fluids.
• Hoses and belts need to be replaced if they happen to be broken, fragile, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are essential to correct performance of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
• Check tires, as well as tire pressure and tread; uneven wear can signal a need for wheel alignment.

Car Care Council offers a free personalized schedule and e-mail reminder service that’s an accessible resource intended to help you drive smart, save money, while making better decisions. In order to ensure safer road trips this summer visit www.carcare.org for more information, as well as the council’s Car Care Guide.

These days, it’s difficult to find ways to improve the factory design of a car. That being said, we’ve managed to find some relatively simple add-ons that improve performance.

1.    Wider wheels and tires: This is a simple, effective way to improve handling , including road-holding, turn-in-precision, and braking.

2.    High performance shocks, springs, and coil-over springs: This little update will allow your car to stay in contact with road on bumps and at higher speeds.

3.    Larger anti-roll bars: The advantage to this is that your car will stay level with the road and optimizes tire contact patch.

4.    Adjustable top strut mounts and chassis braces: This allows for greater alignment range which supports fine-tuning for better road-blocking.

5.    Larger Diameter Catalyst-black exhaust: This allows your engine to operate at a more efficient, high-speed operation.

6.    Stiffer motor mounts: Get better engine response and handling precision.

7.    Performance seats: Not only do these seats look sleek, they provide greater body support, so you have more steering and pedal control.

8.    High temperature brake pads: Allow for less fade during heavy braking and faster deceleration.

9.    Less restrictive cold-air intake: Get more efficient engine operation, especially at higher speeds.

10.    Stainless steel braided brake liners: This will give you a quicker brake response and less chance for a ruptured line.

The best part about these add-ons? None of them are permanent changes. If you decide to sell your car or update the modification, they are easy to remove. What are you waiting for? If you’ve been looking for a way to update your car, one of these may be the perfect fit for you!

Fall is officially here! The trees are changing colors, every pumpkin flavored food is back on the market, and football is in full swing. It just might be the most wonderful time of the year, right? Well maybe not so much for your car unless you do a routine check and any regular maintenance to save yourself from future headaches.

We all know long summer days are coming to an end. Before we know it, darkness will be falling shortly after you leave the office. This means you will be using your lights quite a bit more. Be sure to get all of your lights checked to help ensure they are working properly keeping you safe.

Speaking of safe, you tires will also need a thorough inspection. With the winter season just around the corner, you don’t want to risk hydroplaning on slushy roads with balding tires. Be proactive and extend the life of your tires by rotating them so you have even wear. Your car manufacturer should have a recommended tire rotation schedule. And don’t forget to do a routine check on your spare tire. You never know when you might need it!

Another important inspection would be your battery. No one wants to get stuck in a rain or snow storm with a car that won’t start. If your battery is five years or older, you may want to consider replacing it. Older batteries may not work as well with the cold temperatures, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

New windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid will also save you some stress when the storms come. Make sure your wipers are working properly and are in good shape to be able to handle the sand and salt that will be strung all over your windshield, not to mention that gunk that it leaves behind. You will want to make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid so you can keep your windshield clean and be able to fully see your surroundings. While you’re at it, be sure to check your brake fluid and antifreeze levels, too.

So what are you waiting for?  Go get these items done before the cold season hits. And remember, routine maintenance on your vehicle will make it last longer and save you the hassle of dealing with pop-up issues that could have been prevented.