Give trouble a cold shoulder: Plan ahead for the road

•Battery: Check for loose cables and corrosive buildup. Make certain your battery is fully charged.

• Radiator: Test for 50/50 blend of antifreeze and water. Fill as needed.

• Windshield washers: Add no-freeze wiper fluid to the reservoir. Replace worn blades.

• Belts: Make sure drive belts are tight but not cracked, glazed or frayed. Belts should not deflect more than half an inch when pushed with your finger.

• Hoses: Check for leaks, bulges and cracks. Make sure clamps are secure.

•Fluids: Change oil and replace oil filter. Check your manual for how to check your transmission and brake fluids.

• Air filter: Replace air filter every 7,500 miles or when dirty.

• Tires: Tread should be at least one-sixteenth of an inch on normal tires (past Lincoln's head when inserting a penny into the tread, head first). Tires lose a pound of pressure for every drop of 10 degrees. Inflate to the manufacturer's recommended pressure (check owner's manual or sticker on doorjamb).