Tips For Holiday Road Trips

This holiday season thousands of people will pile into the family car, pull onto the highway and head to friends or relatives for the holidays. Here are some tips to help ensure that your time on the road is as safe as possible with the least amount of stress.

• Make sure your car maintenance is up to date.

Aside from the all familiar oil change, you will want to make sure that all of the needed maintenance has been completed. Fluid changes, brake inspection etc etc all have mileage or time based intervals that should be performed if required before a long road trip with the family.

• If not, avoid last minute stress and schedule a service appointment now.

Repair shops get busy this time of year and they often take time off for the holidays. Schedule early, a car that can not be fixed or serviced in time will ruin your road trip.

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• See and be Seen.

Inspect your lights and windshield wipers. Makes sure that the Headlights, Marker or Running lights, Brake Lights, Tail Lights and Turn Signals all work correctly. The wiper blades should be free of cracks or tears and the rubber soft not hard. If they streak the windshield then replace them. There is nothing worse than driving on a dark road on a rainy night with bad wipers.

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• Keep an eye on the tires.
  

Overloading or lack of proper air pressure are two of the most common reasons for highway tire failure. Make sure the air pressure is set correctly and avoid overloading your car. A few dollars spent shipping gifts to your destination can save time, money and frustration

• Plan your trip.

Take a few moments to look over the route you are planning to travel. Identify the places and times you will stop for fuel or food. A few moments looking over the roads you are planning to travel can prevent frantic moments looking for gas stations in unfamiliar towns with the gas gauge on empty.

• Travel during off peak times and while stores are open.

While it may be tempting to travel at night or during the weekend these travel times can be the most congested and take the longest time. Leaving a day or two early and returning a day or two later can save time and money.. Traveling during off peak times will also provide you with the most number of places opened for something to eat, fuel for the car and a repair shop if you should need one.

• Put Down The Phone.

Accidents caused by distracted driving are on the rise. Keep in mind that you and hundreds of other drivers may be on unfamiliar roads. Driving in unfamiliar areas requires your complete attention. Contact friends and relatives before you leave and when you have stopped for fuel or food. If you absolutely have to take that call, get off the road. Find an exit or a rest area to stop at to take that all important phone call or text message.

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Some preparation, a little planning and paying attention will make your holiday road trip an enjoyable adventure for the holiday season.

Travel Safe & Happy Holidays!
Stay Tuned
Brian
Marlboro Tire and Automotive
www.marlborotire.com
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