Always make sure that your car is properly prepared for a long summer journey by checking your fluids, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze.

Protect your car by using a high-quality gasoline

Some of the world's top automakers –Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen – introduced a TOP TIER detergent standard to raise the bar on fuel quality beyond minimum requirements and to help drivers avoid lower quality gasolines. Shell recently introduced TOP TIER certified Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, which contain a unique, patented cleaning system designed to seek and destroy engine gunk left by lower quality gasolines. The new Nitrogen Enriched formula helps protect and clean critical engine parts in both conventional and modern engines. Research shows that engine gunk can build up in just 8,000 kilometres.

Watch driving habits to stretch your fuel. Practice a few gasoline-saving tips, such as:

• Use cruise control on major roads and in free-flowing traffic

• Avoid idling. When the car idles, it wastes gasoline, and you are getting exactly 0 km/litre.

• Avoid higher speeds. In general, increasing your speed from 100 km/h to 120 km/h will increase fuel consumption by about 20%.