Take these steps to get your car ready for a summer road trip.

Planning a summer road trip with your family?  If so, then you have a lot to take care of.  One of the most important things to take care of is making sure that your car is ready for the trip.  Here are some of the things that you should do to get your car ready for your road trip. Have Your Car Professionally Serviced Before you leave on your road trip, it's important to have your car professionally serviced to ensure that it is in good shape and can make it to your destination without any mechanical issues.  Some of the things that you should ask your mechanic to look at include your radiator, battery, and air conditioner.

• Radiator- If you suffered through an icy, snowy winter, then driving along heavily salted roads may have caused damage to your car's radiator. This can lead to your car's engine leaking and eventually overheating.  To ensure that your car's radiator is in good shape, ask your mechanic to check for damage and clogs that make it harder for engine coolant to circulate through your engine.  In some cases, your mechanic may have to flush your car's cooling system to address potential issues.
• Battery- Heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, which can lead to corrosion. If it's been a while since you last purchased a battery, then take your car into the mechanic and have them inspect your battery to ensure that your fluid levels are adequate.  This will ensure that your battery doesn't die and leave you stranded.
• Air Conditioner- If your AC feels week, then it could be blocked or need more Freon. While getting your car's air conditioner fixed might seem like a needless expense, remember that the belt operating your AC might also be powering other parts of your engine.  Ignoring a weak AC could cause your engine to overheat during your road trip.

Update Your Car Emergency Kit You never know what the open road has in store for you.  This is why you need to be prepared for the worst.  When preparing your emergency car kit, make sure to pack essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, and basic tools.  You should also include things like extra gas, flashlights, spare batteries, extra phone chargers, and cash.  Finally, if you have room, then you should also pack changes of clothes, blankets, and comfort items (such as a familiar toy or stuffed animal) for your children or pets. Clean Your Car Before your trip, take the time to clean your car inside and out.  Washing and waxing your car's exterior will ensure that a small nick or scratch does cause your car's paint to peel.  This will protect your car from rusting and other expensive forms of damage.  Cleaning out the inside of your car will make for a more pleasant road trip.  Removing trash, wiping down surfaces, and freshening the air inside your car will ensure that your passengers have a comfortable ride. These are some of the steps that you should take to prep your car for your summer road trip.  Want another way to get ready for your trip?  Then make sure you have the right auto insurance in place.  For assistance with all your car coverage needs, contact the experts at East End Insurance Agency today.