Is Your Car Safe for Summer Travel? 4 Maintenance Checks That Prevent Accidents

Summer travel means road trips, family vacations, and long drives to visit friends. But before hitting the highway, there’s one question too many drivers forget to ask: “Is my car ready?”

Summer heat, long-distance travel, and heavy traffic put additional stress on vehicles. A minor issue left unchecked can quickly turn into a breakdown or even cause a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle-related problems like worn tires, faulty brakes, and overheating engines contribute to thousands of collisions each year.

If you’re planning to drive this summer, here are four essential summer car safety checks you should complete before pulling out of the driveway.

1. Check Your Tires: Tread, Pressure, and Wear

Tires are your car’s only contact with the road, so their condition directly impacts safety. Heat causes air to expand, which can lead to overinflation, blowouts, or uneven wear during long drives. Underinflated tires, on the other hand, reduce fuel efficiency and increase the risk of hydroplaning in summer storms.

Do This:

• Use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires (and the spare) when they’re cold
• Compare pressure to your car’s recommended PSI found in the owner’s manual or inside the driver’s door
• Inspect tread using the penny test: insert a penny with Lincoln’s head down into the groove. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires

2. Test Your Brakes

Brakes are essential in heavy traffic, during sudden stops, and on steep summer roads. Over time, brake pads wear down and fluid levels drop, making it harder to stop quickly in emergencies.

Do This:

• Listen for squeaking, grinding, or any changes in how the brakes feel when pressing the pedal
• Have a mechanic inspect pads, rotors, and fluid if your stopping distance increases or you feel vibrations
• Don’t delay service. Even slightly worn brakes can dramatically affect safety under heavy summer driving conditions

3. Examine Your Cooling System

Car engines generate more heat during summer, especially in stop-and-go traffic or on uphill climbs. A working cooling system is critical to prevent overheating, which can leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Do This:

• Check coolant (antifreeze) levels when the engine is cool, and top off if needed
• Look under the car for leaks or puddles that could signal a problem
• If it’s been more than two years since a full flush and refill, schedule maintenance before your trip

4. Replace Wiper Blades and Check Lights

Summer storms can bring sudden downpours, and dusty windshields are common after dry, windy stretches. Visibility is key to safe driving, and that means working wipers and functioning lights.

Do This:

• Replace wiper blades if they leave streaks or skip across the glass
• Fill the windshield washer reservoir with summer-grade fluid designed to cut through bugs and grime
• Check headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights to ensure all bulbs are working

Give Yourself Time to Prepare

It’s tempting to pack the car and go, but skipping these basic maintenance checks can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. A little preparation ensures your vehicle is ready to handle long hours, rough roads, and unpredictable weather.

According to Attorney Stephen Bridger from Phoenix, Arizona, “We often see avoidable accidents caused by mechanical failures: brake problems, tire blowouts, or vehicles that overheat. A quick safety check could prevent a serious crash that puts lives at risk.”

Stephen Bridger is a lawyer based in Phoenix, currently employed at the Pinal County Prosecutor’s Office. As a state prosecutor, he works on behalf of the state in criminal cases. He does not provide legal advice or represent individuals.