Are you traveling this week to visit your friends or loved ones? Whether you are traveling near or far, your car could always use some Thanksgiving love as well! According to a report by AAA (openbay.com), more than 54 million Americans will journey more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving! As the temperatures drop and the holidays come fast, keep your car in great condition so you don’t have to worry about repairs. There is so much busyness around the holidays, so keeping your car in mind will avoid unwanted time in the auto shop. Here are a couple of tips for your Thanksgiving travels and what to do to keep your trip hassle-free and smooth.
Your tires’ air pressure
First things first, check your tires’ air pressure! This is the first thing to check as your air pressure will fluctuate as colder temperatures arrive. Avoid flat tires by taking this easy step, and keep your fuel economy up. The better the condition your tires are in, the more you’ll get out of your gas. If you want to learn more about how to check your tire pressure and why read our Tire Pressure Tips and Safety blog! We highlight when to do it and how you can save money.
Next step, your engine!
Before heading out to your Thanksgiving destination, take a look inside your engine to check for good coolant levels. The coolant in your car is the fluid that absorbs heat from your engine and dissipates it through your radiator. Not only check if the coolant levels are good, but also make sure the coolant fluid is in good condition. If your coolant needs replaced, you will need to drain it and refill it to remove dirt and rust particles that can eventually clog your car’s cooling system. Your coolant is normally good for 60,000 miles at a time. We suggest going into your local automotive repair shop if you see any unusual signs in your engine or you’re not sure what to look for!
Know your route!
Once you’ve got your car checked and ready to go, get to know the route you are driving if you don’t already. Make sure there are no roads with the construction that you don’t know about. Your GPS should be able to show you the fastest route in no time. We encourage you to be able to know your route if your GPS unexpectedly stops working or your phone dies. Be prepared if this were to happen, avoid unexpected delays, and stay on time. Look at a map, and know what highways you will need to hit and what exits to take to get to your destination.
We hope these very easy steps have helped you get a better plan for your Thanksgiving travel this week! Keep your car ready for anything, for any weather, and safe for you and your family. If you have questions about car repair/maintenance or need assistance and live in the Central Ohio area, visit us at Harris Automotive Repair! We have two shops, one in Westerville and another in Blacklick, Ohio. We would love to see you and help you with any car issues/tips. Happy Thanksgiving!