Summer is here and it is time for families and friends to hit the road for summer vacation. However, before setting out on a road trip, it is important to protect yourself, and also your passengers, by making sure that your vehicle is in good condition.

Here are 7 tips for making sure your vehicle is ready for summer vacation:

• Check your tires. A flat tire or blowout can be really dangerous on a road trip. Make sure before you head out on vacation that your tires are in good shape. Check the tread by inserting a penny into your tire tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get new tires.

• Make sure that your engine has the proper amount of coolant. You also want to be certain that your radiator hoses are in good shape. The last thing you want to deal with is being stranded on your summer vacation because your car overheated.

• Change your battery. Batteries tend to start being less effective after two or three years and are more prone to failure. If your battery is over three years old, it is probably wise to go ahead and replace it.

• Check your oil. Your engine depends on oil to function and to keep its moving parts lubricated. Therefore, if you are running your car with little to no oil or old oil that has turned to sludge, you can risk doing serious damage to your engine.

• Change your wiper blades. Ultraviolet radiation degrades rubber quickly, so experts recommend that drivers change their wiper blades at least once per year, if not every six months. Fill up your windshield wiper fluid reservoir. For safety’s sake you want to be able to clean your windshield to improve visibility, particularly if you are doing a lot of driving in a dusty area.

• Have your air conditioner checked out. You definitely want to make sure it is in good working order before you take off on your vacation. Being trapped in a car without air conditioning in the summer heat can be dangerous, as well as uncomfortable.

• Take it to a professional. Have your vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic who can check your brakes, as well as your engine’s hoses and belts, and top off any necessary fluids.

Keep in mind that proper vehicle maintenance depends in large part upon the manufacturer’s recommendations. Therefore it is important to have your car serviced by professionals who are knowledgeable about your particular brand. Owners of German automobiles in the Tucson area know that they can trust European Auto Tech to provide the highest levels of service for their BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, MINI Cooper, or Volkswagen.

If you live in the Tucson area and you are planning to hit the road this summer, contact the team at European Auto Tech today to make sure that your BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, or VW is in top condition.