Perhaps you plan to stay home for the Labor Day weekend. Then again, you might join the millions of other Americans who make the holiday one of the busiest weekends for traffic each year. Some drive to the lake for fun on and by the water. Other’s take a final vacation before the school year kicks into gear. And others go to visit friends and family that decided to stay home for the holiday.

Whatever your destination, if you’re hitting the road Labor Day weekend, you want to make sure your car will get you to your destination safely and without mechanical mishaps. You also want to arrive back home afterwards without difficulties.

The key is to make sure the car is ready to go before you go. Look at it this way – while preparing the car for the trip, you can also prepare the car for the winter ahead.

Preparing the car for a trip Labor Day weekend, or preparing the car for winter, involve the same basic mechanical checks, including:

The Fluids: This includes everything from the antifreeze/coolant, to the brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer solvent and even the engine oil. With the latter, consider whether it’s time for an oil change (refer to your Owner’s Manual for the appropriate frequency). With the antifreeze/coolant, you’ll want to make sure it’s filled to capacity but also that it is still effective to appropriate high and low temperatures.

The Rubber: This means you tires. Do they have the proper air pressure (if not, do you have a leak), does the spare have air and do you have a working jack to raise the car if you do need to replace a flat tire on the road. You also want to make sure the tires have sufficient tread left and, if you haven’t done so in a while, you may want to rotate the tires. You also want to know that your tires are properly balanced.

The Pads: This refers to the brake pads but really also includes the brake system. You want to make sure your brakes are up to the trip ahead and to the winter ahead.

The Chassis: In auto repair parlance, this means checking everything from the shocks and/or struts to the front-end steering assembly. You want to make sure the parts are in good order so you can safely negotiate the roads even when they’re covered in snow and ice this coming winter. You might also want to think about an alignment, if it’s needed.

The Filters: This category includes the oil filter (which you’ll want to change with the oil), the air filter, the fuel filter and the cabin filter. It’s best to ask a qualified auto repair technician to take a look and make sure they’re not to clogged with dirt.

The Charging System: From the battery, to the starter to the alternator and the other electrical parts in between, you want to know they’ll start the car for Labor Day and for the upcoming winter.

The Engine: Is your engine running smoothly? Does it start easily? When you press the accelerator, does it accelerate without hesitation? These are all factors you’ll want to consider when deciding whether to have the engine looked at for adjustments or even an overdue tuneup.

Once you know you’re ready for the road, the next consideration is whether you’re ready for the road. Keep in mind that there will be more traffic and pedestrians on Labor Day weekend. Be attentive and, of course, don’t text and drive (it’s illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving in Illinois).

You might also want to find an app for your phone that will help you choose the best roads – those not under construction and without traffic jams. Finally, have a good and safe time.