As Labor Day weekend brings increased traffic and holiday travel, drivers are being urged to take a few simple steps to make sure their vehicles are ready for the road.Matthew Keeber, general manager of the AAA Car Care Center in Perrysburg, said preventative maintenance can help drivers avoid breakdowns and potentially costly repairs while traveling."Do what you can to be prepared so that you don't have a breakdown on the road," Keeber said.AdvertisementAdvertisementBefore hitting the highway, Keeber recommends drivers make sure their gas tanks are full and their tires have the proper amount of air. Drivers should also check their vehicle's fluid levels and make sure cooling fans are operating properly, particularly during hot weather when overheating can become a concern.Drivers should also keep an emergency preparedness kit in their vehicles. Keeber recommends having items such as a flashing light, jumper cables and equipment that can help make a disabled vehicle visible to other motorists.In hot weather, he also recommends carrying water in the vehicle."Warm water is better than no water," Keeber said.Don't put off recommended maintenanceKeeber said drivers should also think twice before postponing maintenance recommended by their mechanics.AdvertisementAdvertisement"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," he said.Small maintenance issues can become significantly more serious when they are ignored for too long. A repair that initially could cost a few hundred dollars could become more expensive if a failed component damages other parts of the vehicle, Keeber said.He said the age of vehicles on the road makes routine maintenance even more important. The average vehicle is now nearly 13 years old, he said, meaning drivers are dealing with more aging components.AAA members can receive a free courtesy inspection in most cases, Keeber said, allowing drivers to have their vehicles checked before beginning a trip.Give other drivers extra spaceHoliday weekends can mean heavier traffic, and Keeber said drivers should remember that even if they are driving safely, they cannot control the behavior of everyone around them.AdvertisementAdvertisementHe recommends giving other vehicles additional space and avoiding following too closely.Vehicle visibility is also important. Drivers should make sure all lights are working and windshield wipers are in good condition so they can see clearly and other motorists can see them.Keeber said the goal is to address potential problems before they turn into roadside emergencies.A little preparation before a holiday trip, he said, can help prevent a breakdown from turning into an unexpected interruption to the weekend.