Sometime not too far from now, perhaps as we near the May 24th long weekend, or maybe when school is finally out in June, Canadians will dust off the station wagons and sedans and get ready for a summer road trip. One question they should be asking themselves – 'Is my car ready for a holiday road trip?'

Deep down, most people know their car should be checked out before hitting the road for the holidays but studies show that many people put it off thinking it will take too much time, money and effort. The truth is, in as little as 10 minutes, motorists can determine if their car is ready for long-distance travel.

In a very short amount of time, motorists can identify how road-ready their vehicle is and then take a series of steps to have the problems fixed before heading out for a road trip or a vacation. Think about it as a down payment on safety and convenience. It's really a small sacrifice compared to the inconvenience and potential hazards of breaking down many miles away from home. Plus, if any repairs or maintenance are needed, a repair shop that knows you and your vehicle can do them.

This quick pre-trip inspection will help reduce your chances of costly and potentially dangerous road trouble. Especially important, it provides peace of mind. While no inspection can guarantee a car's performance, it's comforting to know proper precautions were taken.

Car Care Canada's 10-minute pre-trip checkup is a great primer and it includes the following suggestions broken into categories for travelers:

1. Check all fluids. There are several fluids that require attention, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

2. Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.

3. Check the tires. Check tire inflation and also inspect the tread for uneven wear, (indicating the need for wheel alignment). Also look for bulges and bald spots.

4. Check lighting. Check all exterior and interior lighting to identify any problems. Car Care Canada vehicle check-up lanes revealed an overall failure rate of more than 25 percent in the lighting category. When your vehicle's lighting is defective, other motorists may not get the message that you intend to stop or turn. The end result could be disastrous.

5. Check the wiper blades and make sure the windshield wipers are working properly. Keep the reservoir filled with solvent. Worn-out wipers should be checked and replaced if needed prior to a road trip. As a rule of thumb, wipers should be replaced every six months.

To save on fuel costs during the trip, Car Care Canada also suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.
While a last minute checkup is better than no checkup, motorists should plan ahead to allow time to perform necessary maintenance themselves or at the local service facility. A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps.

For more information about vehicle maintenance visit www.carcarecanada.ca.

Every month, Car Care Canada publishes a Car Care Minute and makes audio and video podcasts available. This month's tip is the 10-minute pre-trip checkup. Visit www.carcarecanada.ca/downloads to view the video.