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Before packing the family into the car and hitting the open road, it's important for you to pay a visit to the certified mechanic and have certain parts thoroughly inspected. This way, all necessary repairs can be made before you venture across the country. Having your car inspected by a certified mechanic can significantly reduce the odds of a breakdown that can add extra days to the trip. To keep up with the repairs, make a checklist and place certain components at the top. Below are a few items you should be sure to get checked out before you head out.

Tires. You should make it a point to ask the mechanic for a tire inspection. Making sure the tires all have equal pressure and no flaws is the best way to keep your car's power steering in check.

Oil change. You might as well go ahead and ask for an oil change if your trip is several hundred miles, and especially if you've already driven 3,000 miles since the last oil change.

Pumps and hoses. The mechanic should also check the hoses and belts in the hood, ensuring that the radiator and pumps are operating properly.

Taking these steps before embarking on a family road trip is the best way to make sure it's a memorable occasion, without any unnecessary disruptions.