By Colleen Rothe

There seemed to be a more anxious vibe waiting for summer’s arrival this year. And it wasn’t just the school-aged children tapping their feet and griping for the last of spring to pass and bring on the summer fun. It seemed the adults were anxious too. Covers of magazines, the headlines of those remaining newspapers in the Pacific Northwest, and even the warm-weather attire worn by local news media all flaunted at even the hint of a breath of balmy air.

Much of the anxiousness of the kids in the region was because their school year was extended due to snow and flood days (the latter of which still gives me pause as a transplanted Midwest city dweller).

For me, the restlessness has to do with two (so-far) planned road trips. Apparently, I’m not alone. In contrast, last summer it was all about the Staycation. This year, Americans are damning the gas torpedoes and hitting the nation’s highways and byways. The experts that gauge such things say they expect not only an increase over last year, but also an increase over 2002, which saw the highest road travel in recent history. Blog sites documenting folks travel are numerous and even television producers are getting on the bandwagon. NBC is launching the Great American Road Trip reality series this July.

So how are Americans doing it? In the midst of the New Depression and headlines of automotive giants falling, how are they scraping together to head to destinations across this great land of ours?

You start with cost-saving moves with your number one road trip partner – your automobile. Whether your trip will take you down historic Route 66, Highway 101, off to Yellowstone or Yosemite or even the Texas Panhandle, you need to make sure you take some time to make sure you’re not hit with unexpected costs while taking your own summer adventure down the road.

Here are 5 tips to make sure you and your vehicle are road trip ready and which might lower your overall costs in the long run:

1. Baby your battery. Some of the most common problems along the road are caused by strain and neglect of your car’s battery. Extreme heat (oh yeah, we decided to check out Death Valley at noon) and cold (the Fargo locals told us it could snow in July) will put a strain on an automobile battery, especially if yours is more than three years old. Have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. If you don’t know how old it is, think about replacing it. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, especially in these tight times. But you’ll be cursing not making that investment when you’re stuck on the road and your three kids and spouse are ready to throttle you.

2. Look after your wiper blades. If you can’t remember the last time you changed your wiper blades, it’s likely time to change them. Additionally, wipers often get dried out or beat up during the harshness of winter. If your car’s blades are not making full contact with the windshield, replace them. Also, be sure your car’s windshield washer fluid reservoir is full and keep a spare bottle in the back to top off the reservoir every time you gas up along your journey. If you’ve ever traveled through a seeming swarm of mid-summer insects, you know exactly how valuable well-working wiper blades and a bounty of wiper fluid can be. Additionally, if you’re traveling through any of the wicked storm states, visibility during such torrential downpours will help keep you and your travel companions on schedule.

3. Fill up all the fluids. You likely don’t hit the road without a beverage or canteen at your side. Your car can’t really travel without its vital fluids as well. Get the car’s oil changed before you hit the road. Keep in mind that the temps in the summer are hotter – especially if you get stuck in the I-75 corridor’s summer construction season traffic. The multiple viscous grades of today’s oil will get thinner in the heat, increasing the chance your engine’s not getting the proper lubrication. Know your vehicle’s owner’s manual (a good cost-saving tip year round). What does the manufacturer recommend? Not just for the climate you live in, but the one you’re traveling to? You may have to consider changing it to a compound that’s slightly thicker if you’re going to be driving in extreme temperatures (Vegas Baby!). Also, don’t forget to check your ratio of coolant to water. Most mechanics will recommend 50-50 for best regulation in cold and hot weather. You can check this with a simple and inexpensive antifreeze tester, which you can find at all auto parts stores.

4. Overall once over. Inspect your vehicles belts and hoses. In recent model year cars, they are designed to last a long time, but still have the possibility of failure (remember those chewed-up wiper blades after a harsh winter?). Have the belts and hoses inspected by a mechanic. Many will do it for free or as part of the service they give during an oil change. If you have an older model car – even one running in impeccable condition – consider having the belts changed. Your local auto parts store or car repair shop may know you and cut you some deals. The one just outside of Omaha, well they may not be as nice. And that tow truck driver may just decide your bill is the one that will allow him to take himself out on the town. Also, there’s a good chance your belt may break in a town with no camp ground or available motel. You can see where the costs might add up, when a $300 belt replacement might save you 10 times that.

5. Tend to your tires. If you haven’t already, exchange your winter tires for summer or all-season tires (my kids know summer is well on its way when the snow chains get put up on the top shelf in the garage). Winter tires wear out quickly on dry, hot pavement; switching them when the season changes keeps them in optimum shape for next year, not to mention improves your car’s handling during summer months. Next, check your tire pressure. And do it at every fill-up. With each passing weather system, the average tire loses about a pound of air pressure. Proper tire inflation is critical to achieving the best possible contact between the tire and the road and avoiding blowouts and tread separation. Most cars have a decal mounted in their driver doorjamb that lists the recommended tire pressure, depending on size and vehicle load. Properly inflated tires will also improve your gas mileage.

Now you’re a step closer to making sure your Great American Road Trip is a memorable one, without the added cost of preventable car emergencies. Good journey!