Before heading out for a summer road trip, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road.

With that in mind, the Wisconsin State Patrol is offering motorists tips on how to avoid car trouble and potentially serious injury.

It is important to check the vehicle’s belts, hoses, and wiper blades.

Hot temperatures in the summer can cause the rubber in these components to degrade faster.

If a belt or hose connection is cracked, blistered, or cut, it is important to have it replaced for your safety.

It is also important to check your vehicle’s tires, including the spare, to make sure they are at the proper air pressure.

Tires with cuts, punctures, or bulges in the sidewall should also be replaced.

Cooling systems, especially in the summer, should be tested each year, while coolant levels should be checked frequently to prevent a vehicle from overheating.

All other fluids, such as motor oil, transmission, brake, and power steering fluids, should also be checked before hitting the road for a long trip.

Following these tips can not only keep your vehicle in working order but can also keep you and your passengers safe over the summer.

More tips for the Wisconsin State Patrol can be found online at wisconsindot.gov.