"A driver's goal should be to reach their destination safely and securely," says Bryan Gregory, director of consumer education for Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP). "With the summer season, come the extremes of heat combined with stop and go traffic and longer trips. Just as you would apply sunscreen at the beach, you should also make sure your vehicle is prepared for the conditions that you will be traveling in."

Gregory recommends taking a few minutes to check your vehicle from bumper to bumper, beginning with a quick peek under the hood. You can start by checking your headlights, be sure high and low beams are working properly and aimed correctly; air conditioning, check the drive belt and add refrigerant if necessary; change oil if it's been at least 3,000 miles since last change, change oil filter, and check coolant (antifreeze) level. Next, check your belts for severe wear, fraying, or shiny burnished spots, replace if necessary. Check hoses for swelling and cracking. Check hose clamps for snug, and check the battery to make sure it is clamped down firmly and clean terminals. If you need help, you can stop at any Advance Auto Parts store to receive a free battery and charging system check up. Finally, inspect your tires by placing a penny head first into the tread; the tread should cover the top of Abraham Lincoln's head. Check outside tread, middle tread, and inside tread depth. Replace worn tires, they have direct impact on your stopping and turning ability.

In order to be prepared for an unexpected break down, every vehicle should contain an emergency kit. "This kit should include items such as bottled water, non-perishable snacks, basic hand tools, a flashlight and flares," says Gregory, "and if you have children, a source of entertainment that does not require power from the vehicle is a plus."

Other quick preparations for any trip include wiping down all mirrors and making sure all windows are clean. You should also make sure to secure all luggage, as it could become airborne and cause severe injuries in severe braking. And don't forget to check all your wiper blades in case of a sudden rain shower, many people forget about the rear wiper on min-vans and SUV's.

Here are some fuel saving tips from Advance Auto Parts so you can spend less time at the pump and more time on the road:

     1)   Change your air filter regularly: Your engine needs to breathe to create maximum power and efficiency. You should replace your air filter every 7,500 miles unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.