Thanksgiving is almost within sight. Soon, thousands will hit the road to visit families for turkey and football. If you have travel plans during this busy holiday, you should ensure that your vehicle is in its best condition.  Car repair expert, Wayne's Auto Repair and Towing shares three simple steps you can do to get your car ready for a long holiday road trip:

Check Your Tires

Tires serve as the vehicle's stabilizer and direct contact on the road, which is why they are vital not just to the car itself but to the driving experience as well. When it comes to tires, one of the most important things to check is the air pressure.  Each tire must be inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pound per square inch (PSI) to ensure ride comfort and safety.  Incorrect air pressure (over or under-inflation) can shorten a tire's lifespan because of premature wear and tear, which not only affects the performance of the car while driving but can also cause major problems that endanger passengers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire-related crashes resulted in 664 total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2020.  To ensure that your tires are inflated correctly, look up the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or on the Tire and Loading Information labels located on the driver's side door edge.  Check the air pressure of each tire with a tire pressure gauge before your trip, and adjust accordingly. It's also important to check the pressure for every 1,000 miles of travel if traveling longer distances.

Inspect Your Battery And Other Parts Of Your Car’s Electrical System

Your car's electrical system, consisting of the battery, starter, and alternator, is another crucial part to check before going on a long road trip. If one of these parts does not work properly, the car won't run correctly or even start at all. What you can do is make sure that every connection on the battery is secure.  Also, look for signs of corrosion. Then check the blinkers, headlights, and taillights to see if they're working correctly. A car battery's standard lifetime is 3 to 5 years, even less in hot climates. If your battery falls within that age range, consider replacing it.

Suppose your electrical system shows signs of acting up, like a clicking or grinding noise when turning the key or lights not working, blown fuses, or the smell of burning plastic. In that case, immediately take your car to the nearest auto mechanic in Gwinnett County before starting your trip to prevent further potential damage that can leave you stranded on the road and make your Thanksgiving holiday a nightmare.

Other Things To Check

These other parts are just as critical as the first two listed above. So, they must also be checked before you embark on your Thanksgiving trip.

• Check your brakes by listening for strange noises. If you hear squealing, the brake pads need replacing.
• Top off any fluids that are running low. These include transmission fluid, windshield fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and antifreeze/coolant. Get your oil changed if you haven't done that in a while.
• Switch out air filters if they’ve not been replaced for a year.
• Inspect hoses for leaks, cracks, or fraying. Also, visually check belts for looseness.

Conclusion

The last few days leading up to Thanksgiving are some of the most hectic days to travel on the road. That's why it's crucial to ensure that your car is in top condition before leaving to prevent any unexpected road issues.  Though you can do the steps above easily by yourself, checking every component of your car might be challenging, especially if you've yet to understand the inner workings of your vehicle. You can make things easier by taking your vehicle to a Duluth auto shop for a pre-trip inspection.

Thanksgiving is all about friends and family. Don't let anything, especially a vehicle breakdown, get in your way of seeing them.  For your auto and truck repair needs, call us today.