Millions of Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day, but according to the Car Care Council, a number of vehicles on the road are in need of repairs.

To help motorists stay safely on the road and keep their vehicles running efficiently, AutoZone has compiled the following maintenance tips:

Perform routine scheduled maintenance checks. Motorists should check their owner’s manual for a schedule of recommended maintenance intervals from the vehicle manufacturer. If the owner’s manual has been lost, many websites, such as the National Car Care Council’s web site www.carcare.org, offer a recommended maintenance schedule for vehicles.

Be proactive. Don’t wait for a breakdown to check important car components such as brakes and batteries. Proactive checks can be the difference between making it to your destination safely and being stranded on the roadside.

Give brakes a check-up. As temperatures climb, motorists should check the braking system to uncover any winter damage.

Test batteries if they are four-years-old or older. While batteries can last more than five years in ideal driving conditions, many factors can impact the life of a battery. Retailers such as AutoZone offer free battery testing in most states.

“Delaying service on critical items such as brakes, batteries or mechanical components can seriously affect a vehicle’s safety and performance,” said Bruce Bonebrake, host of Weekend Mechanic. “The key is to be proactive. Take care of your car so it can take care of you.”

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