Road trips can be fun and exciting for the entire family. Whether you plan to travel for just a few days or a few weeks, these trips provide a great way to see the world around you. The most important thing to do before you go on any road trip is to prepare your car. A little preparation ahead of your trip can prevent unnecessary problems with your vehicle while your away.

Here's a look at seven tips to help you prepare your vehicle for an upcoming road trip.

Make Sure All Lights Are Working

The first thing you want to do is to check to make sure all the lights and signals, including headlights, taillights, fog lights, brake lights, and turn signal lights, on your car, are working. Replace any bulbs if necessary.

Test Tire Pressure

Use a tire gauge to check and fill the air of all four tires. You can find the appropriate tire pressure for your vehicle on the sticker inside the door of the driver's side. Maintaining the right tire pressure will not only extend the life of your tires, but it will make sure you get the best gas mileage possible.

Examine Tire Tread

You don't want to take your car on a road trip if the tread on the tires is too worn. If your tire's tread is less than 2/23 of an inch, you should get new tires before your trip.

Replace Wiper Blades if Necessary

Check the condition of your windshield wipers and replace if you detect any damage, tearing, or wearing.

Check Motor Oil

Find out the date of your last oil change. If it's been more than 3,000 miles ago or you will reach the 3,000-mile point during your road trip, you should schedule an oil change before you leave. If you recently had an oil change, then you only need to check the oil level and add more if necessary.

Top Off All Fluids

Check and top off all fluids, including brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant, windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, and power steering fluid in your car. You also want to check the air filter in your car and replace it if needed.

Look for Cracks, Leaks, and Tears

Perform a thorough examination of your vehicle and check for any types of leaks, cracks, or tears in the belts and hoses. If you notice any damage, replace the belt or hose before your trip.

Preparing your car for a road trip can help keep you and your passengers safe on the road and maximize the performance of your vehicle. If you know enough about cars, you may be able to complete this checklist on your own. Otherwise, schedule an appointment with Christian Brothers Automotive a week or two before your trip and we'll be happy to make sure your vehicle is ready for your trip.