Summer is here, of this everyone can be sure. It is now the time for road trips and fun in the pool. However, before you get out on the road, there are a few things you might want to check under the hood to make sure that you are safe when you head out on an adventure.

This is a great time to flush your radiator. The fluid inside the radiator will eventually start to break down and can corrode the radiator if it is not flushed regularly. Most recommendations say that you should flush it between every nine to twelve months depending on the car manuals recommendations. Setting a month each year that you will do it usually gives enough leeway to be able to find the time to do it.

Check your tires. In many area summer weather is also rainy weather and that means that you could be driving in the rain. Make sure that your tread is good enough for driving on wet roads. You will also want to make sure that you have enough air in your tires. As it heats up outside, sometimes the pressure inside the tire drops some. If you are road tripping, make sure you check your tires at least once a day because elevation will also affect tire pressure .

Brakes should be inspected twice a year. Most people do it in the winter and the summer. You want to replace these before they get too bad because if you let the brake pads go on too long you will have a much more costly repair on your hands, or worse. This doesn’t just count for the brake pads though. The brake fluid should be checked twice a year as well. To figure out how to do this, look in your repair manuals . This is basic maintenance that few people remember to do.

Check your headlights. Again, summer is rainy season in many places. Summer is also for many people a good time to be out later hanging with friends. If one or both headlights are out that could mean the end of a fun time before you want it to end.

Stay safe this summer and have fun on the road.