Summer is the season for road trips to the shore, and drivers should take the time to make sure their cars are road ready before their next adventure. A vehicle is only as good as its fluids, so it is a good idea to take a quick look under the hood and make sure everything's in good shape. The first fluid that likely comes to mind is the oil. The general rule of thumb for modern cars is to change the oil every 7,500 miles or so, but you should still keep an eye on the state of the liquid in between services.

When you pop the hood and pull out the dipstick, you're looking for a few different things – fluid level, coloration and consistency. Low fluid levels could indicate a leak somewhere in the system. In this case, add more motor oil and check back in a few days. If the level has dropped again, you may be dealing with a leak, which can lead to the engine overheating.

Oil that is dark brown or black is dirty. It should be a lighter, clear shade of brown. You will also need to look for signs of dirt and debris in the fluid, which may point to a clogged oil filter. If you notice any of these signs, you will need to change the oil. The experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can handle this service as well as any other work needed to repair leaks. They can also perform a quick tune up to ensure you'll make it to the beach in time to soak up the summer sun instead of spending your vacation on the side of the highway.