Car Maintenance Tips For Holiday Travel
Always check oil and all fluids before travel. Simple basic maintenance for things like checking your oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, power steering fluid or even the air in your tires is always recommended before any travel, but especially during the holidays when a lot of auto centers won’t be open regular hours. Add to the list a window scraper, some deicer and a check of belts and battery cables so there are no surprises along the way.
Make sure you have a spare tire and jack available. Don’t hit the road without that emergency spare tire and jack to change it with. Nobody wants a flat tire while traveling, but it can and does happen more often than not. Winter is especially tough for changing tires, so you may want to also include an extra blanket to have to lay or sit on the ground as you change the tire. A tire gauge, bottle of fix a flat and patch kit can all come in handy as well when repairing a flat tire. If you will be traveling in an area with snow or ice, also add some snow chains to your kit just in case they are needed.
Update your winter emergency car kit. Go through your winter emergency car kit and make sure you have plenty of water, non-perishable snacks, a radio, charger for phones and of course heat source or Kevlar blankets to keep warm should you need it. First aid kits should be updated and expired medications removed and replaced. Gloves, scarves and an extra change of clothing can also be added just in case. If you want to also carry an activity book for kids in case you get stuck somewhere for a long period of time, that would be great!
Upgrade your road side assistance plan. During the holidays, most auto shops are going to have limited hours in those small towns between your home and destination. Their prices may also be outrageous to tow or assist should something happen. Making sure you have a quality updated roadside assistance plan can save you literally thousands of dollars if you have a last minute emergency. AAA and Good Sam offer the two best and most affordable plans. While not directly car maintenance tips, this does give you a backup plan should something happen unexpectedly while on the road.
Keep a set of important papers in your emergency kit. Not only do you want an updated insurance card, but a copy of your policy can be vital. Do the same with your health insurance policies, basic emergency numbers including family and physician or pharmacy.
These car maintenance tips for holiday travel will help keep you and your family safe while on the road. With so many people traveling throughout the holiday season, it is vital to have your car in top shape to avoid lengthy delays should something occur.
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Deanna R. Jones says
Your tips for keeping a spare tire and a jack seem like they could be useful in a bind. I usually carry a jack in my car, but I forgot to buy a spare tire, so it’s a good thing that you reminded me now in case I get a flat this winter. Your tip to bring extra blankets to make sitting on the ground to change a tire more comfortable would be really useful during the winter. I haven’t thought about how uncomfortable it could be to sit on the cold ground while changing a flat, so now I’ll make sure that I’ll keep at least one or two extra blankets in my trunk in case of an emergency. Thanks for the tips!
Hannah says
My dad always made my sisters and I keep an emergency kit in our car with blankets, water, and other supplies like that. Your tips (and his!) actually came in handy several times and although I never had an emergency-like situation, the blankets would’ve come in handy during those cold Midwest winters. I guess I’ll put the blankets and water back in my car!
Cindy Hoffman says
Hallo there Stefanie, I was looking for some car maintenance tips when I landed here. I wish I had checked this while we were on holiday. We had no side assistance plan and we had to face the hiked price wrath, but its a good thing it wasn’t soo serious. Thanks for sharing the great tips.
Cindy
Hazel Owens says
I like your tip to check your car’s fluid levels before traveling. Like you said, many auto centers aren’t open regularly during holidays, and finding an auto center in an unfamiliar place might be difficult anyway. Checking that your oil, transmission fluid, and other liquids in your car are at the correct levels can prevent the need for emergency repairs during your trip. Thanks for all the tips!
Jose Mari Gamboa says
Fluids should be checked and replaced or added. A yearly check-up or tune-up for your car. The things you have pointed out are great and I am sure I will do it. I am a new driver using an old car. Thank you for sharing this! Cheers!
steering linkage kits says
Old cars lasts longer but really gets expensive on gas mileage and parts to replace.
Rachel says
Having a winter emergency kit in your car is a really smart idea. In case you get stuck for any reason, it could really be helpful. Thanks for sharing the tips!
Abélia says
I live away from home and the holidays are coming up in a few months. I want to make sure my old car is ready to hit the road by the time the Holidays come around. I’ll definitely be needing a new spare tire and jack. It’s good to know that it’s wise to update important papers to have in your emergency kit as well. Thanks for sharing!
Toco Warranty says
Wonderful information. You should do a proper maintenance of your car before going on the holidays. Specially check the tires because they are the only parts that are connected to the road so inspect your tire pressure and avoid overloading because overloading effects your tires.
transmissions Morris County NJ says
Many car owners manual today recommend increasing the interval between oil changes. But frequent oil change is still necessary especially if you are maintaining a used car. Frequent oil changes flush abrasive dirt and metal particles out of the engine, thus prolonging its life. Change the oil filters because the old filters contain build up of oil and dirt particles that will otherwise remain and mix with the new, clean oil.
Brian says
Awesome advice. With the holidays coming up so many people are going to be making trips and breaking down during that would be the worst. Thanks for sharing!
brake repair Morris County NJ says
If your car has rare spare parts, and is not a common model, you will be safer going to a dealership. They might be more expensive but you are assured of getting a mechanic that has been trained by a particular car manufacturer. Some dealerships are so good that they have a mechanic from each of the major manufacturers. You will get a mechanic particular to your car type who will probably install factory parts instead of used, tried parts. A dealership is ideal if your car is still covered under warranty or the costs are paid by insurance.
Saini Flange says
Hey,
Great Share!
Your transmission makes your car move by supplying power from the engine to the wheels. A frequent checkup of the transmission fluid will keep your car working smoothly.
Cole Gray says
We usually prefer getting in the car and taking a road trip to see family or friends during the holidays. But before going for a road trip we must be confident enough that our car is in tip top condition. So, there are some extra precautions we must have to take for our better safety during our whole journey with our car. Your post is very useful because it is provided with some tips regarding car maintenance especially during the holiday. Keeping a spare tire, jack, insurance paper are noticeable. I used to take spare tire and jack with me but most of the time I forget to take insurance copies. So, I should keep this in my mind while going for a road trip whether in holiday or in any other time.
Emission Repair Facility Morris County NJ says
Now that’s good parenting. Educate your kids to learn basic car maintenance so that they will know how to take care of things when they get older.
car parts catalog says
You should always remember those tips. You need to have all those things if you’re planning to go far far away from the city.
front end parts says
Taking care of your like car it’s one of your own kids. It really is necessary to be maintained regularly to lasts a long long time.
Fleet Services NJ says
Some cars just needs better maintenance and conditioning. So why not go to service centers with technicians that are highly trained and highly experienced.
Mark Horn says
As a car owner it is very much essential to carry out regular maintenance for the car. It is just because without proper maintenance, everyone’s car will be a lot more like to be prone to more serious problems in the future which could lead more money out of the pocket. So, regular check up is the best way to reduce the risk of serious issues occurring in future and also improves the overall performance of car. Here, your blog describes about some car maintenance tips for holiday vacation, which I genuinely find very useful. So, on a final note I can say that before going for any road trip during holiday, it is better to ensure that car is inspected properly. It not only keeps the car trouble free but also makes us comfortable during the trip. Thank you.
Erica says
Stefanie, I really like your article. I espescially like that you put in cell phone charger. It is so much less terrifying getting getting stuck somewhere when you have that phone to call for help.
Ivy Baker says
Updating your car’s roadside emergency kit is great advice. I would want to put the number of an auto repair shop in that kit. That way, I don’t have to worry about finding a shop if I got in a sticky situation on the side of the road.
Gregory Cox says
One’s holiday travel will be a bit bitter if he would not follow the car maintenance tips. Flawless vehicle adds value to your celebration. The availability of spare tire and jack can avoid your possible tire related problem in the mid of your journey. Also, keeping emergency kit comes handy. To avoid any inconvenience, you should consult with a well known mechanic prior to your travel. He could sort out the existing issues in your car and suggest you few common tips that cannot be ignored.
Heather says
You never want to be caught without an emergency kit on long trips, especially if you’re traveling during bad weather. Thanks for sharing these tips!
car parts catalog says
You shouldn’t be maintaining your ride only on holidays. It must be regularly check for safety.
LNweaver says
I really like that tip to have a spare blanket to sit on if you have to change a tire. The winter can be cold. Another good tip is to get your car regularly checked at a mechanics. That way they’ll catch things like a tire that’s getting ready to go before you’re on your trip.
James Wilson says
Definitely, during our off, our vehicles become busier. We generally plan road trips on our vacation. It creates problem for us, if you do not maintain your vehicle properly. You should pay attention on few things like battery, engine oil, tire pressure, cooling system, lights, wipers, windshield, etc. Before the trip, you should make sure that these components are issue free. You can also ask a technician for few valuable suggestion. Apart from that, you should always keep ready an emergency kit with you.
Ivy Baker says
I like what you said about making sure that you have a spare tire and jack in your car. Currently, I don’t have a spare tire in my car. So, it does seem like a good idea for me to go to a tire store and find a spare tire.
Lucy Gibson says
Stefanie, my husband and I might be taking a road trip this winter season to visit my in-laws. I appreciate your tip about making sure you check the oil, air pressure in your tires, power steering fluid, antifreeze, and so on. We’re both pretty busy, so we’d probably want to take it into an auto professional who can do a full tuneup.
adjustable Strut Rods says
Bring the best in your car by giving it the best car parts available in the market.
Sean Powell says
As the price of the plane ticket is hiking gradually, more people are choosing to ride for the galas or day offs than ever before. When someone is heading to enjoy with his friends, family and other loved ones, the last but the most important thing he wants to have to deal with is a car malfunction on an unfenced road. I don’t think there is any way to prevent breakdowns completely, but by following much-needed maintenance schedule one can make his car more reliable and road-worthy. So, whenever someone is planning a road trip during the holidays, first he should check whether his vehicle is ready to face the summons of long-distance travel or not, and if not, then he must take his car to an authorized service center where the proficient technicians can make the things all right and thereby he can enjoy his vacation with an utmost thrill and joy.
George Anderson says
Excellent article. The things which you have pointed out will really help travelers like me. It is always safe to take the car for a inspection before going on a holiday travel. Also I make sure that I am having at least the numbers of some repair shops near the places or towns from which I pass by. In case there is some issue with the car one can always contact them for help.
Lenard smith says
Best maintenance tips are ever seen on any website. Cars need maintenance so that the lifespan of its components increases and could run smoothly for a longer period. Car repair should be done by a trusted and certified repairing center. Some people try to repair there own cars in order to save some amount of money. Of course, if there are any minor problem then we can repair own car and we don’t have to take our vehicles to the repairing shop. but if the problem is major one then we shouldn’t try to repair it by ourselves and should be concerned with certified and trustedrepairing center.
Steele Honda says
We usually prefer getting in the car and taking a road trip to see family or friends during the holidays. But before going on a road trip I must be confident enough that our car is in tip-top condition. Recently, I’ve noticed that the brakes are making strange noises, and I do not want to drive this car until it is examined thoroughly to ensure my family’s safety.
Sharon says
Thank you very much for these car maintenance tips for holiday travel.
A must for every traveler. Will be creating a list from your blog.
Emission Repair Facility Morris County NJ says
That is really an important thing you should get fix. seats may not just for comfort but safety too. get a good auto service to check that out.
alan ceil says
It’s a good idea. Your article is most helpful. I like your important tips. Thank you for shear it.
Charles Rees says
There is no reason to start off a road trip with the stress of finding out your car isn’t safe to travel and you need to be at your family tomorrow. You can look for comfy cars like corvette which can be safe ride for holiday.
Carla Houston says
We often prefer to drive the car & taking a road trip to meet our families & friends during holidays. Before that we have check our car if it is ready to make a road trip, it is in tiptop condition or not. This blog has described about some maintenance tips for holiday traveling. We should check the level of oil & other fluids before traveling. Make sure that we have a spare tire & jack available in case the tire becomes flat & we need to change it. Update the winter emergency car kit by taking plenty of water, radio ,phone charger ,first aid kits.
Tirupati says
Car trips are mostly preferred by the tourist because it is easy to handle and cheap. I was planned by trips many time in a year.
April Estor says
Thank you for sharing this. Here in my country, we will be having a three-day Philippine holiday, so planning to go on a road trip with the family. Anyways. great read and tips. Cheers!
Megan P. Maki says
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me just as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, nonetheless I actually believed you would probably have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you could fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
Tamara Alexandre says
For me as a traveler girl i found this post very much useful. Thanks a lot for great tips. Cheers.
Bree Ward says
I like your tip about always checking the oil and fluids of your car parts before traveling since almost all auto centers are not operating during holidays. It’s also best if we make sure that we maintain the brake by lubricating it regularly. Break malfunction can lead to accidents. In the event that my car brake will malfunction, I will definitely have it checked immediately with the best car auto service in town.
Mercedes Mechanic San Diego says
Maintaining your car is very important before going on holiday travel. Checking the car tires is also very important. If you see any damages like holes and cracks on your tires then replace them because it might create problems on your long dives.
vidan says
Thankyou for sharing this information.here i would like to give some more tips regarding car maintainance tips for holiday travel
Oil/Filter change – if you are approaching the time for an oil change have it done , there is no reason to not stay ahead of it
Full inspection of car for mechanical issues such as brakes
Check all lines and hoses for leaks
Check air filter for heat/ac
Make sure all your bells and whistles are working – such as recharging statio12v outlets, a fuse may be needed and you don’t want to find that out when your phone is in the red
Make sure GPS is working correctly
AC Maintenance in Dubai says
These tips are kinda useful. If you ever face any problem regarding your air conditioner feel free to contact us!
AC Maintenance Dubai
Aces Daniel says
Holidays mean joy, Trips increase the level of happiness, and this time, there is nothing to worry about in the car. If it happens, the joy is over. That’s why firstly you need to check your car everything is ok and also confirm that all the important tools in your car.
Shirley Davis says
As the lifeblood of your vehicle, clean, efficient motor oil is essential for helping your engine run smoothly. Waiting longer than the recommended 3,000-5,000 miles between oil changes can result in engine build-up and sludge, which slows down your engine’s performance. If left untreated for too long major damage can occur that could result in expensive engine repair.
lisa says
What a lovely post.Everyone likes their car to be clean and tidy. These are some great tips to detail your car. I always make it a priority to get my car cleaned on a daily basis to remove all unwanted items. Vacuum cleaner is an ideal way, as it fits into the tiny places in the car whereas manually it is not possible. I was not aware of the option of shampooing the car. This is interesting and useful information. Luxury car rental Orlando
Zoe Campos says
It’s good to be reminded that I need to get my car in order before I drive around for the holidays. We usually drive for two hours just to get to our relatives’ house and we want to ensure that it will be a safe trip for us and our kids. Having the brakes checked for any issues that require repair services might give me peace of mind.
Zoe Campos says
It’s good to be reminded that I need to check my car’s oil and transmission fluid levels before going on a holiday trip. Our family wasn’t able to bond over the year and we think that this is the perfect time to send the weekend together. Since we’ll be using our car, it might be better to look for auto service shops around Cincinnati and have it checked first.
Frankie Delgado says
This is incredibly useful and informative articles. worth reading. Thanks yo so much for tips