A bit of planning and some simple steps can help save time, money, headaches and avoid disasters on the road.

Have the car checked out to make sure it is fit for summer:

[list type=”check”]

  • Check the air conditioning. You may want to have a professional inspect the entire system;

  • Check the cooling system, and if necessary, get it serviced; and

  • Check the air pressure in all tires, including the spare, to make sure they are properly inflated.

[/list]

Pack a “just in case” emergency kit in the trunk that includes:

[list type=”check”]

  • A jack and tire iron;

  • Jumper Cables;

  • Flashlight;

  • A can of “Fix-a-Flat” for temporarily sealing and inflating a flat tire; and

  • Water for both the radiator and people.

[/list]