Summer has finally come. Bright sunny days, warm weather, and clear blue skies: This is the perfect season to go for long leisurely drives to your vacation destination or travel along the countryside with your family. But, before you head off down that road, you should make sure that your car is geared up for summer. The dust, hot weather, traffic jams and bad road conditions can wreak havoc to your car. Thus, you have to prepare your car to lessen the likelihood of a mechanical breakdown that could really dampen your summer trips. In addition, the effects of last winter can still lead to potential failure if not fixed on time. Here are some of the important parts you should check and fix before traveling.

In the warm weather, your car is extremely prone to overheating. Thus, you should check out the condition of your cooling system. It should be completely flushed and refilled regularly every two years. You should also check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant every so often. Have your mechanic check your cooling system for the condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses. As the engine needs cooling, so do the car's occupants, so have your air-conditioning system checked by a pro. A defective A/C system can break down in hot weather, leaving you uncomfortable in your car.

If you are going on an extended trip or planning to tow a trailer, you should change your oil and your oil filter. Dirty or clogged oil filters can drastically diminish the performance of your engine. You should also replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, and others) as dust, grime and other debris can lead to poor engine performance and potential breakdowns. If you are experiencing problems with your engine's drivability such as hard starts, diminished power and rough idling, have it checked and fixed right away.

Have your Pontiac wheels and tires checked too. Check tire pressures and wheel alignment. You should also have your tires rotated after every 5,000 miles. Look out cuts, nicks, uneven wearing and cupping that could lead to more serious tire troubles. Do not forget your spare tire and jack. Brakes should be checked if it is still in good working condition. You should have your brakes fixed at the first signs of trouble such as pulsation, unusual noises and longer stopping distances.

Replace defective or damaged auto parts as soon as possible. You should not let car troubles spoil your family's fun whenever going on a summer road trip. You can get excellent quality Pontiac parts from various auto parts stores, but it is better to stick with a trusted and reliable auto parts wholesaler. If you need to gear up your Pontiac for the summer, visit your trusted online auto parts store now. Pontiac parts are now available at Inner Auto Parts, a renowned source of automotive information that has garnered many accolades through the years. At http://www.innerautoparts.com, you will find millions of Pontiac auto parts ranging from Pontiac catalytic converters to Pontiac window regulators. They even have an extensive array of Pontiac hoods and hubcaps. A visit to this excellent auto parts store is the solution to your problems if you need Pontiac parts that are affordable, durable and top quality.