The last thing you want when you are traveling with your family is to have the "check engine" light come on and your vehicle break down. Whether a summer road trip takes you 50 or 1,000 miles away from your home, you can prevent being stranded alongside the highway by checking for potential problems before you pull out of the driveway.

Lights, Signals, and Dash Lights

Test the vehicle's brake lights, headlights, taillights, turn signals, and flashers to make sure they are all working. If the "check engine" light on the dashboard comes on, have your mechanic take a look even if the vehicle seems to be running okay. There could be a problem with the emissions system.

The problem could be as simple as a loose gas gap. Or, it could be something more serious like loose or cracked hoses, worn-out spark plug or wires, or a blown gasket head. Whatever the trouble, ignoring the light could waste fuel or damage the engine.

Battery

Inspect the battery. Look to see that the cables and terminal ends are securely attached to the posts and aren't broken. The battery terminals should be clean and free of corrosion. Replace the battery if it's leaking or the case has cracks or holes.

Fluids

Check the fluids, including oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. Don't forget to check the antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Top off any fluids that are low. Put extra bottles of each in the trunk in case you need them while you're on the road.

Wiper Blades

Replace the wiper blades if they leave streaks and smears on the windshield when it rains. If a blade is cracked or torn, it's time to change it. Make sure the wiper arms aren't bent or broken.

Brakes

Signs that you need your brakes checked include a high-pitched squealing or grinding noise. Squealing means you need new brake pads. Grinding when you apply the brakes usually means the pads are completely worn through. If the situation is that bad, you could damage the rotors -- a more expensive repair job. There also could be a problem with the braking system if your vehicle pulls while driving or braking, or the brake pedal vibrates.

Tires

Check each tire for tread wear and tire pressure. If you don't have a tread depth gauge, do the penny test. When you place a penny into the tread grooves on a tire, if the tread depth doesn't cover part of Lincoln's head, the tire tread is too worn. Replace any tires that show signs of wear, or you risk your vehicle hydroplaning in rainy conditions.

Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in your tires. Check the owner's manual for the tire pressure level your vehicle needs. You can also find the tire inflation pressure the vehicle manufacturer recommends on a sticker in the driver side doorjamb. If any tires are low, inflate them to the required pressure. An under-inflated tire puts more wear on the tire, burns more fuel, and can cause the tire to blow out. Make sure you have a spare tire and that it's inflated too.

Have your mechanic check the wheel alignment. Some auto service centers conduct free wheel alignment tests. Wheels that are out of alignment can cause the tread on tires to wear out sooner or the vehicle to pull to the side while driving.

Extra Precautions to Take

1. Get a tuneup if it has been a while. Have your mechanic check the vehicle's belts and hoses. Replace any hoses that show signs of wear such as cracks, splits, bulges, or leaks in the hose. The same goes for belts. Cracks, splits, frays, or a squealing noise when you accelerate signal a potential problem.

2. Equip your vehicle with a flashlight, fire extinguisher, utility knife, first-aid kit, booster cables, and a tool kit. Keep your cell phone charged in case of an emergency.

3. Make sure you have a copy of your vehicle's warranty, your auto insurance card, and the emergency contact number for roadside assistance in the glove compartment before you leave home. Take along a spare set of keys.

4. Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times while you are traveling. The gasoline helps keep the fuel pump in the tank cool. Driving on less than half a tank in hot weather puts additional wear on the pump.

For more information, contact a local auto shop like ABS Unlimited Auto Repair.