Holiday Travel Tips For Your Car-Safe Journeys

It’s that time of the year again — the season to gather the family and head over to Grandma’s house for a holiday dinner or to spend some time with relatives or friends on a winter vacation.

But if you are planning any kind of extended road trips, it’s wise to prepare the family car ahead of time. Being ahead of the game is a whole lot better than getting stranded because you didn’t take some precautions.

Here are a few tips to help ensure your family road trips come off safely this holiday season, courtesy of the folks at Hemet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram:

Your car needs help for the cold weather. While not everyone lives in or will travel in areas with extreme winter temperatures or locales where the nighttime temps dip precipitously low, it’s always better to do a little prep ahead of time to make doubly sure your family car will be able to withstand the cold. That means check the antifreeze, battery, brakes, exhaust, heaters and oil several days before you plan to head out on the holiday road trip. And be sure to allow extra time for any required repairs to your vehicle.

Carry these necessities. Be sure you have legible road maps (or use your car’s navigation system, plugging in your destination). Carry a tool kit, shovel and flashlight at all times. It’s also a good idea to bring some warm blankets, water and non-perishable snacks.

Some items may need replacing. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it really isn’t when you consider the safety and well-being of your family may be at stake. Are the tires worn? Maybe it’s time to replace them.

At the very least, check the air pressure to make sure all tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (see the tire pressure inflation sticker on the driver’s door or check the vehicle owner’s manual).

That windshield wiper fluid may have served its purpose during the summer and early fall, but wintertime requires cold-weather fluid. Replace the windshield wiper fluid now.