Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your car is in good working order. A little preventative maintenance can make your trip

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worry-free so you can truly enjoy your adventure. Here are some great tips from CBS Moneywatch.com.

Tires To see if your tires are getting worn, which could lead to a blowout or flat tire, take a Lincoln penny and insert it into the tread. If the tread reaches only to the top of Abe’s forehead or less, buy new tires. Be sure your tires are at the proper inflation level (a figure usually noted on a small metal plaque visible on the end of the driver’s door when open). Experts say tires inflated even four or five pounds too low are dangerous because such tires tend to overheat. Under-inflating tires also hurts gas mileage.

Brakes Find a deserted parking lot or quiet road and accelerate to 50 mph. Then hit the brakes hard. If they are sound, you should stop within 100 feet. If the brakes make squealing noises or the steering wheel pulls to one side, those are danger signals and you should have a mechanic check the brakes before your trip.

The battery Failed batteries result in more calls to roadside service than anything else, according to the AAA. If your battery is more than three years old, have a mechanic check to see whether you need a replacement.

Belts and hoses These little-noticed items are the next most likely to break down after batteries, says the AAA. Always have your belts and hoses checked during an oil change or other service visit. Some belts and hoses typically need replacing after about 50,000 miles.

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