If you are planning a long family road trip this Thanksgiving holiday, it is a good idea to make sure your car is in tip top shape before hitting the highway. The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days to travel with a vast number of people getting in their cars at the same time to go visit friends and family. If you can’t avoid holiday travel, at least you can make sure your vehicle is prepared for it.
Get a Courtesy Inspection at Your Local Repair Shop
Don’t miss Thanksgiving dinner due to being stranded roadside!
Many local auto repair shops will perform low-cost or no-cost 8-point car inspections to make sure your vehicle is in prime shape before hitting the road. Checking and then topping off your system fluids as needed is a smart habit to get into before taking a long drive. This is also a good time to assess the treads and pressure of your tires to make sure they are where they should be. Checking exterior lights, both headlights and brake lights, is an excellent idea and is included in most vehicle inspections.
Before your trip would also be an excellent time to check the quality of your car’s windshield wipers. Dry climates can actually harm and wear out your wipers more than using them regularly when it is raining. The heat and dry air can crack, warp and break down the blades. Leaves, seedlings and other elements can accumulate in the wiper resting area due to lack of use, and this can all hurt the performance of your blades.
Don’t Try Driving to Grandma’s with a Minivan in Need of Repairs
Driving a long distance with a car than needs any major repairs is a mistake. If your brakes are worn or your cooling system is working too hard, take the time to get brake repair, cooling system service or any other major repairs needed before the trip. You DO NOT want to spend the holidays on the side of the road with your car hitched to a tow truck.
Owner of Griffin's Auto Repair. Come visit us at our downtown location for all your auto repair needs!
Abraham Chavez
