The holidays are in full swing: You’re excited to see family, sip on some eggnog, and enjoy a well-deserved break from work. However, if you’re like many Americans, you’ll have to travel to enjoy these festivities. But before you can gorge on that holiday centrepiece, your vehicle must be up-to-snuff. You may only require some Chevy accessories, or maybe you need a complete Chevrolet-certified service.
Whatever the case, you can also do things on your own. Here is our 6-tip pre-travel checklist to prepare your vehicle for holiday travelling.
1. Fix Outstanding Issues
It’s all too easy to procrastinate on car repairs, particularly during the holidays. Suppose you’ve been putting off mechanical issues (odd noises, the glaring check engine light, etc.). In that case, ensure you fix them before your holiday travelling begins. Or else you may end up stranded, waiting for roadside assistance in the cold.
2. Check Brakes
Your brakes are the most crucial parts of your vehicle in terms of safety. For this reason, they must be fully operational. You must have excellent stopping power, especially during the holidays when ice and snow compromise road conditions. Most experts advise replacing brake pads when you’re down to the last 4mm of friction material.
3. Pack Some Road-Trip Necessities
While improving car care, you may want to contemplate the safety of others within your vehicle. You don’t know what could happen on the road during the holidays. So, preparing for anything with a pack of cold-weather road trip necessities is prudent.
Some of these items could include:
- Additional smartphone charger
- First aid kit
- Snow shovel and ice scraper
- Blankets, coverings, and warm-fitting clothes
- Flashlight and batteries
- Roadside emergency flares
- Food and water
4. Examine Your Heater
This tip is essential if you’re traveling long distances for the holidays. You want to ensure your heater is working correctly before temperatures drop. So the time to test your car’s heating system is now. Let it run for a few minutes and see if it adequately warms your car. If it does, you’re ready for a holiday road trip. If it doesn’t, take it to your local mechanic for servicing.
5. Inspect Fluids
Even if you keep current with regular upkeep visits, your car may produce leaks and other nuisances between service appointments. That’s why inspecting all underhood liquids before leaving for a holiday road trip is essential. You should inspect (or top) your fluids every 3,000 miles.
Here are the primary fluids to check for your vehicle’s long-term functionality:
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Coolant (Antifreeze)
- Windshield washer fluid
6. Get a Tune-Up
It’s important to do manual checkups. However, nothing can beat the knowledge and experience of an expert. So before you travel to see friends and family for the holidays, get your vehicle serviced by a professional.
Happy Holidays From Weelborg Glencoe!
Your vehicle must be in working order to ensure a safe and happy holiday season. Moreover, it will give you peace of mind while you’re on the road. And that’s well worth the time and effort required to perform this pre-travel holiday checklist. So from all of us here at Weelborg Glencoe, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and best wishes to you and your family in 2023!
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