With the arrival of the nice weather, perhaps you are contemplating a road trip this summer. Exploring the highways and country roads in your own area of the country is a great way to get away, without much hassle.

Of course, you will not be relying on other modes of transportation such as a taxi to the airport, or those large-winged birds that carry us across the ocean to other countries. You will be depending on your own vehicle, so now’s the time to get it ready.

Whether you are a “hands-on” type of person, or someone who would like to leave things to the professionals, here are some basics that need to be covered. If you are handy, and have a garage and access to the essential tools necessary, then go for it. If not, take a list to your local auto service dealer and have a mechanic do the honors.

The first thing to remember is that it’s summer, and even if the real hot weather has yet to kick in, be sure and check the operation of your car’s cooling system. If you haven’t had the air conditioner on yet this spring, turn it on. Make sure that it’s working because no one wants to revert to the fifties, flying down the road with all the windows open and bugs stuck in our teeth.

Now’s the time to top up all the essential fluids that keep your auto purring like a kitten. Get your ownership guide out of the glove box and learn how to check and add what’s needed. Switch to a thicker oil to counteract the thinning effect of the hot summer weather. That way you’ll be assured the engine’s parts are adequately protected.

Check the brake, power steering, transmission, and differential fluids. Top up your windshield wiper reservoirs, and consider taking an extra bottle along with you. There is nothing worse that driving into the sun and straining to see through a bug-spattered windshield.

It is important to have the correct coolant in your car’s radiator. Never use just plain water. Make sure it includes antifreeze in the proper proportion to keep your car from overheating when the mercury starts to climb. Usually a fifty fifty mix will work.

Next comes an inspection of your tires. The two main things that need to be measured are tread and pressure. For this you’ll need to purchase the appropriate gauges from a car part shop. Then, either get out your manual, or look at the notice located on your vehicle’s door jam for the proper pressure reading. Next, ensure that each tire has at least 2/32″ of tread. Don’t forget to include your spare tire in this routine.

For this next set of checks, you might do well to employ an automotive repair shop. Have the mechanic check the battery and it’s associated cables. Put in a fresh air filter. It is very important to keep dirt from getting to your car’s engine. Look carefully at the hoses and radiator for cracks and places where leaks can occur.

There are lots of checks you can perform on your own. Take a look at the windshield wipers and change them if they look frayed or are not hugging the windshield properly. You’ll definitely need well working wipers in those violent summer thunderstorms.

Inspect your car’s interior lights, as well as the headlights and turn indicators. Make sure you have a functioning low beam and high beam. Have someone watch the rear of your vehicle while you pump the brake pedal. Brakes are really important and so are the lights.

Assemble a bag of items that will come in very handy in an emergency. Include jumper cables, a tire iron and jack, flares, and screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. Invest in a good heavy flashlight and some spare batteries too.

For the humans on board, load up with lots of bottled water, just in case you have a break down and have to wait for help. Bring along a blanket and a pillow, work gloves, paper towels and some packaged snacks, like granola bars.

Maybe you’ll want to invest in a GPS system this summer. Having a reassuring humanoid voice telling you where to go is very comforting. At the very least, grab some maps of the area you’ll be exploring, and your camera to chronicle the fun you’ll have on the open road.