Gear Up For Holiday Travel
Posted on: 14 November 2016
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Are you planning to drive somewhere for the holidays? If you are, now is the time to get your car ready for the trip. The following tips will help you prepare your car for a long journey this holiday season.
Check Your Tires
The state of your tires is critical when it comes to holiday travel. Good tires with proper tread will help your car stay on the road when driving through snow, over ice, and in wet, rainy conditions. To check your tires, insert a penny (head down) into the tread of your tires. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, this is a sign that your tire treads are worn. Move the penny to different locations around the tire and perform the tire tread test in multiple locations. If the top of the head is visible in all locations, this is an indication that your tires are too worn and should be replaced.
If you live in a location that is cold, snowy, and icy in winter, talk to your mechanic about getting snow tires. He or she can tell you whether or not your car will benefit from snow tires or if you should simply replace your current tires with new tires.
Put Emergency Supplies in the Trunk
Before you set out on your trip, check the emergency supplies in the trunk of your car. Emergency supplies will help you stay warm and safe even if your car breaks down or drives off the road this winter. Some important emergency supplies to keep on hand include:
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Cell phone charger
- Jumper cables
- Tire repair kit
- Blanket
- Water
- Nutrition bars
- Shovel
If you already have these items in your car, check them to ensure that they're still functional. For example, turn on the flashlight to ensure that the batteries still work and open up the blanket to ensure it has no holes.
You may also need to include some items that will be specifically helpful in the area where you plan to travel this holiday season. For example, if you plan to drive through a rural or forested area with little cell phone service, a cell phone signal booster can help you get cell reception even when you're far away from the nearest cell tower.
Get a Tune-Up
Before you leave on your trip, take your car to the mechanic for mechanic service and a tune-up. Explain to your mechanic that you'll be going on a trip for the holidays and that you want to ensure your car is ready for the journey. Tell your mechanic how far away you'll be traveling, as this will help your mechanic gauge your car's readiness. If your mechanic makes recommendations for service, make an appointment to have your car fixed before you go. This will help ensure a safe journey for the holidays. For more information, contact local professionals like Professional Automotive.