Families looking to take trips with used cars in New York could make their travel safer with some tips about preventive maintenance.

Starting from the front of the car, make sure that both sets of headlights operate properly, as well as the coolant levels that can keep engines running more effectively in the summer heat.

A penny can also be an effective tool for checking on tires, says Bryan Gregory, Advanced Auto Parts director of consumer education, by putting it between tire treads and making sure you can’t see Abraham Lincoln.

“With the summer season, come the extremes of heat combined with stop and go traffic and longer trips,” said Gregory. “Just as you would apply sunscreen at the beach, you should also make sure your vehicle is prepared for the conditions that you will be traveling in.”

Finally, on the off chance that families driving used cars in New York to vacation destinations suffer a breakdown, a well-stocked emergency kit with food, water and some repair tools can get them back on the road.