The road trip is a time-honored American tradition. Whether you’re driving to Grandma’s house for the holidays or visiting a prime vacation destination, millions of Americans take their cars on these extended journeys each year. Of course, the last thing anyone wants is to require auto maintenance that disrupts their travels. As the team at Brothers Tire Sales in Kannapolis, NC, explains, preparing for potential hazards isn’t as hard as you think.

Naturally, the first step to a successful trip is making sure that you are up to date with all needed auto maintenance. Be sure you’re following the guidelines found in your owner’s manual for tasks like rotating your tires and scheduling an oil change.

If you’ve fallen behind on any of these services, now is the time to take care of them. In addition, if you have noticed any unusual performance issues while driving around town, it’s better to have a mechanic inspect them now, rather than wait for trouble to arise during your trip.

Of course, even with the best preventative efforts, you never know when you might get in an accident or experience a surprise mechanical problem. Keep your owner’s manual on hand for useful instructions on how to change a flat tire or take care of other basic tasks. Pack an emergency kit in your trunk with food, water, jumper cables, emergency road flares, and other essentials. Finally, keep your phone fully charged so that you can contact roadside assistance. With the right preparation, you and your car will have a successful trip.

No matter what type of auto maintenance you need to get ready for your next road trip, you can turn to Brothers Tire Sales for help. In business for over 50 years, this family-owned company can inspect and repair a wide range of issues to keep you safe on the road. To learn more about their services and tire selection, visit them online or call (704) 933-2203.