Summer is the busiest time of year for traveling, and millions of Americans will use their cars to get to where they want to go.  Whether driving long distances to see our nation’s beautiful national parks and coastlines, or sticking close to home to visit family, friends or your family memorial, summer’s heat takes a toll on vehicles.

Some of the most frequent issues are overheating engines, tire blowouts and dead batteries—all of which can be prevented by some proactive measures.

The AAA offers the following tips to help you avoid the inconvenience of having a summertime roadside emergency:

• Schedule a checkup. Take your vehicle to a trustworthy auto mechanic to perform any needed maintenance before heading out. Oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections go a long way toward reducing the chances of a breakdown.
• Pack an emergency kit.Your vehicle should be equipped with a well-stocked emergency kit that includes a mobile phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit with tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench, windshield washer solution, jumper cables and emergency flares or reflectors, drinking water, extra snacks and food for travelers and pets.
• Prevent lockouts. Always take keys when exiting the car and bring a spare car key on every trip. Avoid exposing keyless-entry remote or smart keys to water and always replace the key or fob battery when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

We hope your summer travels, wherever they may be, are incident free and filled with fun and adventure!