The sky is a brilliant blue, the sun is shining and the Rascal Flatts’ cover “Life is a Highway” is conveniently blaring through the car speakers. Suddenly, an unfamiliar noise erupts from the car.

Immediately, your father’s probing questions echo in your mind – questions such as “Did you check your tire pressure?” “Did you check all your fluids?” or more commonly, “When was your last oil change?”

These probing inquisitions are not only words from a caring father. They also represent many years of wisdom in life and of life on the highway.

Travelers should complete basic maintenance on their vehicles prior to hitting the open road, said Andrew Mills, team leader of Jiffy Lube, 220 S. Duff Ave.

Checking all fluids and the condition of car tires, including the spare tire, were tips recommended by both Mills and Rodney Thomas, store manager of O’Reilly Auto Parts, 426 S. Duff Ave.

Before you click your own seatbelt into place this summer to travel your own life’s highway toward internships or summer vacations, be sure you put car care on your to-do list.

Tires

Travelers should check tire pressure as a precautionary measure, Thomas said.

Check your owner’s manual for the appropriate pressure for your vehicle.

To make sure your tire treads are in good condition, Thomas recommended a simple test.

“Take a penny and place it in the tread depth,” he said. “If you can see lower than Lincoln’s forehead, then it is time to replace them.”

If one of your tires does give out, make sure you have a spare in your vehicle. Spare tires should typically be used only for short distances with speeds not exceeding 50 mph.

“I wouldn’t go on a long trip with a bad tire or no spare tire,” Mills said.

Serpentine belt

Years ago, car engines required the use of several belts. In the mid-1980s, car manufacturers began using a single-belt system called a serpentine belt.

The belt controls everything, including the alternator, water pump, the air conditioner and the power steering, Thomas said.

Thomas recommends keeping an old serpentine belt in your emergency kit.

“The serpentine belt is the one thing that is going to strand you, and people don’t think about it,” he said.

Jump pack

A modified version of jumper cables, a jump pack is an enclosed battery attached to one set of jumper cables.

The $30 price tag for a jump pack can be well worth it, Thomas said.

“Then you are not at someone else’s mercy,” he said.

Wiper blades

Be sure to check your windshield wiper blades prior to your departure, Thomas said. Worn or damaged blades can be dangerous for drivers.

“Once you’re on the road, it’s kind of too late,” he said.

Fluids

Be sure to check your vehicle’s fluids before leaving on a trip. If your car is close to needing an oil change, even within a few hundred miles, you should get that done prior to leaving on a trip, Mills said.

Additional necessities

• Washer fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Oil
• Coolant

When in doubt, you can always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Typically, manuals have detailed car care and maintenance information for your specific vehicle.