Headed out for vacation? Don't forget to do these 5 things first! 
       First off, make sure that you're tires have enough tread and air to keep you safe on your journey. The last thing you want to do it have to replace a tire while you're gone or change it on the side of the interstate, where it's not safe. To ensure that you're tires have enough tread, take a penny and put it in the tread with the head pointing into the tire. If the tread reaches the hair of the man on the penny, then you are still in the clear. If not, you may want to consider replacing your tires before you leave.
     Secondly, make sure that your vehicle has plenty of oil and coolant. You don't want to take the chance of having any engine problems while you're gone. It's bad enough to have engine problems close to home, much less hours and miles away. If you don't feel comfortable checking these things yourself, take your vehicle to your local mechanics shop and let them check it for you.
    Next, make a list of all of the supplies you'll need. Some people make theirs more extensive than others. I recommend adding everything you could possibly need down to exactly how many pairs of socks. Make sure that you have a bug-out bag ready as well just in case you have any trouble and are parked on the side of the road for a while. Your list should also include the numbers for your roadside assistance program and insurance information so that you have it handy just in case. Take this list with you when you go so that you don't forget anything when you get ready to head home.
    Now that you have everything packed and checked, let's head back in the house to make sure everything is ready for your time away. If no one is staying in your home while you're gone, turn the air up or down to set it close to what they're calling for the temperature to be so that you're air conditioning isn't running so much while you're gone and save on power. If they're not calling for the temperature to be too hot outside, you could turn the system off completely. You also want to make sure that all of the water spigots are turned off. If you have a leaking faucet, you may want to go ahead and get that fixed before you leave so that it's not dripping the entire time you're gone.
    Last but most certainly not least, before you head out, make sure that your vehicle has a full tank of gas. There is nothing worse that being stuck on the side of the road. Especially for something that could've easily been prevented. Sometimes you can find it cheaper on down the road, but is it worth risking not making it there to get it a few cents cheaper?
    We hope that these 5 tips help you when you get ready to head out for vacation this year! Stay safe out there and know that our service department is here to help you when you need it! Wherever you're headed, we can get you there!