Tips to get your car road trip ready

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If you're getting ready for a road trip this summer, General Manager Jimmy Martinez from Xpress Body Werks says tuning up your car is crucial to vacation success.

"People definitely ignore the tires," says Martinez, and as obvious as it seems, tires are usually the first part to fall flat on a road trip.

"You have to make sure you have plenty of tread, and they're properly inflated, including the spare tire," he adds.

Next, check your brakes.

"Brakes are probably the most important component regarding safety of your vehicle...You want to make sure your brake pads are thick enough, so you don't have failure down the road," explains Martinez. Most folks do brakes and roaders at the same time, and this can cost about $300.

If you have high mileage on your car, you should have a mechanic inspect the suspension.

"Certain rubber components can break which can cause people to lose steering -- the ability to steer your vehicle," says Martinez.

Finally, check all of your fluids before a long road trip.

"Usually it comes complimentary with an oil change, but if you need a lot of fluid, they could charge you 20 more dollars," adds Martinez.