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With Thanksgiving around the corner, many families and individuals are preparing for holiday road trips to visit friends and family or simply enjoy a weekend getaway. Whether your destination is nearby or a few states away, ensuring your car is ready for the trip is essential. Cooler, unpredictable weather can make driving conditions more challenging, so proper vehicle preparation can help you avoid breakdowns and other inconveniences.
Here are some maintenance tasks and road trip essentials to check off before hitting the road this Thanksgiving.
Check Your Tires
One of the most critical components of road trip safety is your tires. Before embarking on a long drive, especially during the cooler months, it’s essential to inspect your tires for wear and proper inflation. Cooler temperatures can lower tire pressure, even if your tires were perfectly inflated a few months ago. Low tire pressure can lead to poor traction, which is especially dangerous on wet, icy, or snowy roads.
Here’s what to do:
- Check tire pressure: Use a tire gauge to ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure (check your vehicle’s manual or the label inside the driver’s door for the correct PSI).
- Inspect tread depth: Make sure the treads aren’t worn. The minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch, but a deeper tread is safer for driving in wet or snowy conditions. Use the “penny test” to measure tread depth: If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head when inserting the penny into the tread, it’s time for new tires.
- Tighten lug nuts: Ensure your lug nuts are secure to avoid any issues during your trip.
If your tires show signs of wear or damage, consider replacing them before your trip for safer handling on potentially slick roads.
Check the Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
With unpredictable fall weather, from rainstorms to potential sleet in some areas, having fully functioning wiper blades is crucial. If your wiper blades are worn or damaged, they won’t effectively clear your windshield, which can significantly reduce visibility.
Here’s how to check your wipers:
- Inspect the blades: Look for cracks, rips, or missing rubber. Even if they look fine, streak, or squeak when used, it’s time for replacements.
- Top off the washer fluid: Ensure your washer fluid reservoir is full. This will help keep your windshield clean, especially when encountering road grime or bug splatters during the trip.
Test the Battery
A weak battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns, especially in colder weather. Batteries are more likely to fail when temperatures drop, so it’s important to test yours before going on a long trip.
- Check battery age: Most car batteries last around 3-5 years. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, consider replacing it before your trip.
- Inspect for corrosion: Check the battery terminals for signs of corrosion, which can interfere with electrical connections. Clean the terminals or have a professional handle them if you see any.
- Test the charge: Many auto parts stores offer free battery testing, or you can bring your car to McCullough NAPA Auto Care for a quick check to ensure your battery is in good condition.
Keep Your Car Clean and Organized
Holiday travel often means a car full of passengers, snacks, and luggage, which can quickly turn messy. Keeping your vehicle clean and organized will make the trip enjoyable.
Here are a few tips:
- Pack baby wipes and shop towels: These are perfect for wiping sticky hands, cleaning up spills, and cleaning the car’s interior.
- Bring a small trash bag. To avoid clutter, have a designated spot for trash so wrappers and bottles don’t end up on the floor.
- Organize your space: Make sure the car is tidy before setting out, with everything stored safely. You’ll have a more comfortable drive and won’t have to dig through a mess for what you need.
Pack an Emergency Kit
You never know when unexpected situations might arise during a road trip, so it’s essential to be prepared with an emergency kit. If you already have one, double-check that it’s fully stocked. If not, now’s the time to assemble one.
Here’s what you should include:
- First aid kit: Ensure it’s stocked with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
- Jumper cables: These are a must-have in case of battery trouble.
- Road flares or hazard triangles: In case of a breakdown, these will help keep you visible to other drivers, especially in low-visibility conditions.
- Tire repair kit or spare tire: Be sure your spare tire is inflated correctly, and consider having a tire repair kit on hand for quick fixes.
- Extra tie-downs or rope: If you’re packing a lot of luggage on the roof, make sure everything is securely fastened with tie-downs or rope to prevent items from shifting or flying off during your trip.
- Flashlight and extra batteries: These can be lifesavers if you have to pull over at night.
Top Off All Fluids
Ensure your car’s fluids are at the proper levels before embarking on your Thanksgiving journey. This includes:
- Oil: Check the oil level and top off if needed. If it’s close to your next oil change interval, consider getting the oil changed before the trip.
- Coolant: Ensure your coolant levels are sufficient to prevent your engine from overheating.
- Brake fluid: Inspect the brake fluid level to ensure proper braking performance.
- Transmission fluid: If your vehicle is due for a transmission fluid change, take care of it before your trip.
Test the Brakes
Your brakes are arguably your car’s most important safety feature, so don’t take any chances when heading out on a long drive. If your brakes feel soft or squeal when applied, it’s time for an inspection. Ensure the brake pads, rotors, and fluid are in good shape, especially if you’re driving in hilly or stop-and-go traffic.
Schedule a Pre-Trip Multi-Point Inspection With McCullough NAPA
Preparing your car for a Thanksgiving road trip is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. A little planning goes a long way, from checking your tires and wiper blades to packing an emergency kit. Schedule a pre-trip inspection at McCullough NAPA Auto Care for added peace of mind. Our ASE-certified technicians can give your car a thorough check to ensure it’s ready for the road.
Contact us today to book an appointment and hit the road with confidence this holiday season!