When that time of year comes around again, people hit the highway in droves. What is this magical time of year? It is summer time and people wait all year long for it to roll around. Summer break is when people take vacation from work and the kids are out of school. They pack up the family and head for amusement parks, campgrounds and other fun destinations. There are only two potential problems with traveling during the summer. The first is whether or not your vehicle is up to the task. Hot and dry conditions can greatly affect the way your vehicle performs. This is why it is crucial to thoroughly inspect your vehicle before you even think of pulling out of your driveway. If you are not mechanically savvy, then take your car in to your professional mechanic for an inspection. Tires Proper inflation and tread wear are two important things to pay attention to when driving in the summer time and the rest of the year. Improperly inflated tires can ruin your fuel economy as well as cause the car to handle incorrectly, potentially leading to an accident. Check the air pressure in your tires when they are “cool” before you start driving that day. If you are unsure about the correct tire pressure, take your vehicle to a professional tire shop. Tires with wires showing or flat, “bald” spots can potentially go flat while you are driving down the road. If you notice one or more of your tires with either of these problems, have them changed for better tires. Tires are expensive but so are car repairs and hospital bills. Brakes Check your brake pads and shoes. Usually you will notice a difference in the stopping power when the brakes are needing to be replaced. If you are unsure about how to check or change your brakes, have a professional do it for you. It is very important to have the ability to stop when you are driving anywhere. Belts Check all of your vehicle’s belts for signs of fraying or worn spots. All it takes is the wrong belt snapping and your car is out of commission until it is fixed. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct belt style and size before purchasing a new one. Belts have to do with the electrical components and if a belt breaks, part of the that system stops working. For example if the alternator belt snaps, the alternator will quit working. When this happens, your car is only running off the battery and that will not last very long. Hoses Check hoses for signs of leaking and worn spots. Also, look for bulging Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society