LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With fewer people flying to summer travel destinations, AAA predicts road trips will reign supreme. For the first time since 2009, AAA is forecasting a 15 percent drop in overall travel this summer. 

With that being said, AAA said booking trends show Americans are making those plans at the spur of the moment. That's why 97 percent of Americans say road trips are their preferred method lately. AAA predicts 683 million people will hit the road this summer.

George Kok Jr., owner of two Mr. Transmission shops in the Louisville area, said it's always a good idea to check your car before you head out because it's better to be safe than sorry.

“People tend not to worry about their car until it breaks, which means it is much more inconvenient and sometimes more costly,” Kok said.

Here's a little checklist you can follow:

• Cooling systems: Car engines can overheat after spending several hours on the interstate while driving at high speeds in the summer heat. It's important to make sure you have the proper type of engine coolant, a 50/50 coolant and water mixture that is filled to the correct levels.
• Battery: Car batteries can deteriorate quickly and without much warning. Between extended engine use, air conditioning, radio, GPS and other passenger electronics, a long trip can drain a car's battery. Most batteries have a four to five-year lifespan.
• Suspension system: Additional weight from extra passengers and luggage can cause strain on the suspension systems, which include the springs, shock absorbers and struts. Worn suspension components may reduce the stability of the vehicle and reduce driver control, as well as accelerate wear on other suspension system components.
• Air filter: A car's air filter should be changed each year or every 15,000 miles. This gives the vehicle a good supply of clean air and prevents poor fuel economy and performance. A convenient time to have the air filter checked or replaced is during oil change appointments.