Summer is officially here. After surviving a freezing cold dunk tank at our first fundraiser of 2026, it got me thinking about something many drivers overlook every year.

Before you load up the family, hitch up the trailer, or point the vehicle toward vacation, here are five things to ponder.

✅ Do a quick summer vehicle reality check

✅ Book service appointments early. waiting until a week before vacation often means your schedule and your repair shop's schedule won't line up.

✅Don't assume everything is fine just because the vehicle "seems ok".

✅ Stuff happens. My own FJ Cruiser spent five weeks in the shop recently. It drove fine, but we found several issues that needed attention before they became bigger problems.

✅Plan the attack and attack the plan. Getting caught off guard can cost you days of precious vac ...