Hitting the Road for the Holidays
Whenever the holiday season arrives, many of us will be packing up the car and hitting the road to visit friends and family. Before you make your trek to Maw Maw’s, it’s important to check over your mode of transportation to ensure it is in tip top shape so you can confidently make the trek for her crazy Creole Christmas! After all, the last thing you want is to break down on your holiday travels and miss out on her spicy crawdad souffle.
In the spirit of the holiday season, here are the top 5 things to check on your vehicle before heading out on the open road:
1. Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids
Before you hit the road, it’s important to check your vehicle’s main vital fluids. This includes motor oil, coolant, DOT approved brake fluid, power steering fluid, diesel exhaust fluid (where applicable), and fuel. You want to make sure that these are all at the correct levels and are not leaking or heavily contaminated. If you are making a long trip and haven’t had your oil changed recently or are close to needing one, consider having this service performed beforehand to ensure your engine is filled with clean and uncontaminated fluids. Also, be sure to check your windshield wiper fluid and top it off if necessary. Be sure to use a winter formula windshield wiper fluid as it will contain more antifreeze additives to ensure it is ready for use whenever you need it most.
2. Check Your Tires
One of the easiest and most important things to check before you travel is your tires. Ideally, you want to make sure they have enough air and that they have no visible damage like gouges, uneven wear, cracking, or cupping. It’s also a good idea to check the tread depth with a gauge meter. If your tires are questionable in terms of age or treadwear, it is best to consider investing in new tires if necessary. Winter is one of the most popular times of year to have your tires replaced to ensure trouble-free motoring in the coldest months of the year. Kumho Tires from SimpleTire are some of the best rated tires out there and ordering tires online is a breeze with free shipping and easy returns.
3. Check your vehicle’s lights
No matter your destination or what time of day you are traveling, checking to make sure your vehicle’s lighting is in working order before you hit the road is crucial. This includes your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and auxiliary lighting (like fog lights or roof clearance lights seen on larger trucks). Not only is it important for you, as the driver, to be able to see while driving, but other drivers need to be able to see you as well. If any bulbs are nonfunctional, consider replacing them as a pair to ensure ample illumination for thousands of miles ahead.
4. Check Your Brakes
Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle, so it’s crucial to make sure they are in good working condition. Don’t just give them the old once over; have them checked by a professional if you’re not sure and be sure to replace them if necessary. If you hear excessive noise or squealing from your brakes when you use them, it can be time for a replacement.
5. Check your windshield
Finally, before you head out on your trip, it’s important to check your windshield for any cracks or chips. If you find any, make sure to get them repaired as soon as possible. A cracked windshield can be very dangerous and can cause serious injury if it continues to spread, and shatters while you’re driving. You will also want to make sure the inside and outside of your windshield are completely clean and free from any debris or oily residue. A dirty windshield could cause excessive glare from the sun and oncoming vehicle headlights. Prepare your windshield today to see clearly and confidently for miles to come.
Safe Travels and Happy Holidays!
By following these five simple tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season travel experience. Like this article or have a holiday road trip tip to share? Feel free to leave a comment below and, don’t forget to check your vehicle thoroughly before heading out on the open road this holiday season!
