Underinflated tires run the risk of a blowout, and overinflated ones make hydroplaning more likely in rainy weather. There's a financial payoff, too: Properly inflated tires increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

Check the tread while you're down there. Stick a penny in the tread gaps with Lincoln's head facing down -- if the head is fully visible, you need new tires.

A new line of tires, Goodyear's Assurance FuelMax, are designed to boost fuel economy. FuelMax tires improve fuel efficiency by 4% compared with the current line of Goodyear Assurance tires, and they carry a 65,000-mile warranty.

FuelMax tires are made of a new polymer that maximizes handling and durability, while providing 27% less rolling resistance to improve efficiency. Prices range from $73 to $122 per tire, depending on size, at www.tirerack.com.

2. Check the essentials. Check the oil after running the car for a few minutes. It should be at a sufficient level and appear clean on the stick. Though many technicians recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles, some manuals recommend 7,500 miles-check your owner's manual for guidance.

New windshield-wiper blades might be a good investment for summer driving. Thunderstorms often crop up without warning, and the previous winter's weather may have taken a toll on the blades' performance. Prices are typically $5 to $25.

3. Make a service stop. We'll leave it to your mechanic to tell you what needs to be done, but a quick tuneup before a long trip is a good idea -- especially because it could improve your fuel economy by 4% to 12%. Prices for a basic tuneup start at around $70 at Meineke and Midas, and both have coupons available on their Web sites.

4. Ditch the junk in your trunk. No hip-hop reference here -- just clean out your car. The more you haul, the more fuel you burn. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to 2%.

5. Prepare for the worst. You should keep an emergency kit with some necessities in your car in case you get stuck. The AAA 73 Piece Adventurer Road Assistance Kit ($55,www.amazon.com) includes jumper cables, an air compressor, tools and a first-aid kit. Black & Decker's Start It Jump-Starter ($50, www.bdonlinestore.com) can help you get back on the road without jumper cables.