Are you hitting the road this holiday season? Millions of people will head out on the road this Winter, and you may be one of them. If so, have you ensured your car is road trip ready? Here are some tips to prepare your vehicle for a safe holiday travel season.
Inspect your vehicle
One of the easiest things you can do before a road trip is inspect your car. You should look for damages, ensure all lights and safety features are operational and check the tires for proper inflation. Do you have a spare tire? Check that pressure, too. It's also wise to check your vehicle's fluids like oil, coolant, and brake fluid. If your trip is super long, consider an oil change just to be safe.
One component of the vehicle people often forget about is the wiper blades. The holiday season, depending on where you live, can bring severe weather. You need wipers that operate at their best. If you're not sure which type of wiper blades you need, stop by Advance Auto Parts, and our team members can help you. Don't forget the rear blade while you're there. And remember that our Advance Team Members will install your wiper blades free with purchase.
Test major components
There are thousands of moving parts on your vehicle, so it's tough to test every single one. The good news is, your local Advance Auto Parts can test the major systems to ensure they're working properly including starters and alternators, batteries, and check engine lights. Stop by your local store to see what free services they offer such as free battery installation with purchase. Our knowledgeable team members can tell you if everything is operating properly and recommend replacements if need be.
Emergency kit prep
Whether it's an hour-long trip, a day trip, or longer, anything can happen. Nothing is worse than being stuck on the side of the road in a broken-down car, except maybe not having emergency supplies. Your emergency kit doesn't have to be a top-of-the-line, apocalypse kit, but a few basic things that should be in it include:
- Flashlight(s)
- Spare batteries (AA and AAA)
- Flares
- Water
- Blankets
- Snacks
- Pet essentials (when traveling with your four-legged friends)
In addition to these supplies, don't forget about emergency kits for your electronic devices. You don't want to be stranded without any form of communication, so it's wise to invest in a phone charger or two that don't require power from the car.
With all the traveling you may be doing this holiday season, it's best to prepare your car for anything.
Are you traveling this holiday season? What do you do to prepare your car for road trips? Tell us in the comments.
