10 Tasks to Cross off Your Summertime Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Summertime is fun time! Make sure your next road trip or buyer's tour is a success by taking care of some essential vehicle maintenance and upkeep. Here are ten items to inspect or cross off your list before your next trip.

1. Oil change

You should change your car's oil every three months or 3000 miles. If your oil change is coming due, go ahead and cross it off your list now!

2. Tire pressure

Make sure your tires are at the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) and have adequate tire tread to help prevent problems on the road. Be sure to check your spare tire or grab a can of fix-a-flat to bring along while you're at it!

3. Jumper cables

Test your battery before you go, but keep in mind that no car is complete without a set of jumper cables (just in case)!

4. Cabin air filter

Got allergies? Make your ride more pleasant by changing out your cabin air filter. It's designed to remove dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens from the air. In most cars, the cabin air filter should be changed about once a year.

5. Windshield wipers

Don't let summer rain showers ruin your trip. Check your windshield wipers before you hit the road to increase visibility when the weather turns sour.

6. Head/tail lights

Enlist someone's help to check your headlights, tail lights, and brake lights to avoid potentially hazardous driving situations and vehicle citations.

7. Brakes

Fully functioning brakes should always be a top priority. If you have any doubt about the state of yours, get them checked out or replaced ASAP.

8. Spark plugs

Spark plugs play an important part in making sure your vehicle turns on and gets decent gas mileage. Most vehicles need new spark plugs every 30,000 miles. When was the last time you had yours changed?

9. Engine air filter

Not to be confused with your cabin air filter, the engine air filter keeps dirt and debris from getting into your car's engine. When your filter needs to be changed depends on vehicle model, but a visual inspection by yourself or your mechanic can offer a good indicator of whether or not your vehicle is ready for a new filter.

10. Vacuum

Not essential for the functionality of your car, but clearing up loose debris can create a more pleasant atmosphere for your trip.

As a real estate agent, your business doesn't stop when you go out of town. Find out what to do to keep your business running while you're away with this article on real estate vacation planning!

To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.