Tuning up for summer fun: proper car maintenance will keep your driving vacation from becoming a real "trip."

SPRING is in the air, and the call of the highway is almost irresistible. The weather is warm, and you're ready to hop in your car and drive, whether it's to some nearby attraction or a far-away destination.

Hopefully, your car is as ready as you are. If not, unforseen mechanical problems can turn your getaway into a real trip. "Most drivers think accidents and roadside breakdowns happen to other people," says Charles Butler, manager of the American Automobile Association's driver education programs, "yet millions of Americans each year experience a roadside emergency and find out the hard way that they are unprepared."

Safe motoring begins with planning and preparation. Consult your owner's manual and take that short ride to a qualified mechanic before embarking on a long-distance drive. Automotive experts suggest the following tips to prevent roadside mishaps.

* Check the oil. It doesn't hurt to have it changed before taking a long trip. Follow your owner's manual for the recommended grade and service classification, and make sure the oil level is at "full" to ensure proper lubrication.

* Make sure your car has the proper amount and mixture of coolant solution.

Most cars take a 50-50 mixture of . coolant and water. Never add plain water to your cooling system except in emergencies.

* Consider tuning up your car if it's an older model. Owners of new cars should consult their owner's manual for scheduled maintenance and tuneups.

* Inspect all tires and replace the worn ones. Uneven wear could indicate alignment, suspension or wheelbalance problems that should be corrected before the trip. Keep tires properly inflated. Always check tire pressure when the tires are "cold," before driving three or more miles.* Inspect drive belts and hoses. Replace those that are cracked and worn. Also, check air and oil filters and replace them if they are dirty or clogged.

* Unless your car's battery is the "maintenance free" type, check its water level whenever you buy gasoline. Check the alternator and fuses before traveling to prevent electrical difficulties.

* Inspect the headlight, taillights, brake and hazard lights for alignment and brightness. Replace any burnedout bulbs. Replace worn windshield wipers and make sure the car's windshield wiper fluid system is full and in proper working order. Also check and clean the rear- and side-view mirrors.

* Carry an emergency tool kit in your trunk. The kit should include battery cables, a blanket, a flashlight with fresh batteries, spare fuses, a first aid kit, flares or reflective warning triangles, jack, tire iron, tire gauge, blankets and an empty gasoline can. Never carry gasoline in your trunk.

* Resist the urge to drive off without checking your route for food, fuel and rest stops. Stopping every few hours and stretching will go a long way toward fighting fatigue.

* Consider joining a full service motor club. These organizations offer route planning, travelers checks and roadside assistance if you need it.

By following these tips, motorists can make this season's irresistible call to the highway a bit more fun and a lot safer.

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