Well, the kids are mostly out of school now, or will be soon, so it got me to thinking about safety.

Sometimes the end of school is accompanied by some pranks. Some are classics like toilet-papering a house or soaping windows, and some also involve cars – which is why the Car Counselor is thinking about it now.

Some classic car pranks like letting the air out of one or more tires or shoe polish on the windshield are more annoying than harmful, but there are others like sugar in the gas tank or damage to the paint job with keys, knives, etc. that can lead to expensive repairs.

Being aware of your car's condition is always a good idea, but it is very easy to become complacent about it. This is what makes the point about the kids' pranks. Be aware of your car when you go out to start it in the morning. Take a minute to just walk around and size it up.

Do the tires all look evenly inflated or are any of them low? Keeping our tires properly inflated maximizes the life of the tire, provides the best handling and traction, and helps to get the best mileage you can.

Is your fuel door or gas cap secure? The “check engine” warning light in cars 1996 and newer can turn on if the fuel cap is not properly installed.

Are all of your lights in good order? This can be pretty easily checked by turning on your headlights and walking around to see if all of your bulbs are lit. The brake lights and reverse lights will need a helper.

Most cars also are wired so the turn signals will only work correctly if the bulbs are in working order, so if there is any change in the speed of your turn signals, you can have someone help you look at them while they are operating, or turn them on – one at a time- and look at them from the outside yourself.

Getting into the habit of noticing your car's condition, in my opinion, also can get you more “in tune” with your vehicle's operation and noises it makes.

When you do notice any difference in the way it handles, runs, or the noises it makes it's always a good idea to have it checked out by a qualified shop. Little things can turn into big things when ignored, and almost always will cost more to repair.

Also, if you 're thinking about a road trip with the family now that the kids are out for the summer, have your vehicle checked out – just to make sure it's as ready as you are – even if you have to threaten to “turn this car around if you two don't stop fighting!”

So have fun this week, drive safe, and don't forget to give your car a little extra attention – it will surely appreciate it!

Todd Ainsworth is shop manager at Alki Auto Repair and can be reached at todd400@comcast.net or 935-8059.