Driving to your favorite destinations this holiday season can feel exciting and sometimes daunting.
We understand that feeling. Although we can’t magically clear the roads for a pleasant trip to your family and friends, we would like to offer you a few checklists to help make your holiday travels easier.
Prep Your Car Before Leaving
- Check all fluids in your vehicle. These include washer fluid, engine coolant, and oil.
- Check tire pressure.
- Test your brakes.
- Ensure all lights are working; low and high beams, turn signals, and brakes.
- Know where your jumper cables and road flares are stored.
- Keep a bag of sand or cat litter in your vehicle.
- Ensure the batteries for your flashlights are working.
- Fill your gas tank and/or charge your battery.
Plan Ahead
- Check the forecast and plan your route accordingly. If possible, avoid driving in stormy, icy, or foggy conditions.
- Review a map of your route.
- Add an extra hour of “fudge time” to your schedule.
- Call ahead to confirm reservations.
- Be sure to keep your insurance card in a secure place.
While Traveling
- Keep your eyes on the road. Yes, it’s hard, but put away your phone, so you’re not distracted by well-wishers and pings from your favorite apps.
- Wear your seatbelt. We know this is an odd statement, but sometimes it’s easy to forget. Seatbelts are the best defense against serious injury in a crash.
- Use your headlights even in the daylight.
- Increase the distance between vehicles by a few seconds during bad weather or heavy traffic.
Be Prepared For The Little Things
- Have a cooler filled with snacks and drinks to keep grumbling stomachs happy.
- Keep a few blankets or throws just in case you have engine trouble.
- Pack the cell phone and tablet chargers.
- Secure pets in crates if they’re traveling with you. Be sure to bring their favorite chew toy to pass the time! 🙂
You might also like to check out the National Safety Council’s Website for tips on how to avoid a crash in wintery weather.
If you have an emergency and need a tow, remember Joey’s Automotive is just a phone call away.
