Warm-Weather Prep for Your Car -- Savings Experiment

Summer is a great time for a road trip, but you should make sure that your car is prepped for the warm weather before you head out. Here are a few tips on how to get your vehicle ready for the road.

First, check the cooling system. Overheated engines are the No. 1 cause of breakdowns. Keep air flowing freely by cleaning debris from the radiator fins and the air conditioning condenser. Be sure to top off the radiator's coolant, if it's low, and don't remove the cap if the engine is hot.

Next, pay attention to your air filter. Driving with a clean one can save you up to 38 cents per gallon. It's best to replace the filter every two years or every 24,000 miles, and if you do it yourself, it will only cost about $10-$15. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable with the DIY method, have it done by a professional.

So, before the temperatures rise, keep these rules of the road in mind. Just a little bit of maintenance will give you miles of worry-free driving.