The holiday season is fast approaching, which means many U.S. residents are gearing up and preparing for holiday travel. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even New Year's often bring families together for fun and celebration. In fact, the Bureau of Transportation reports that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's see the most long-distance travel than any other time during the year.
Even more interesting is the Bureau of Transportation also reports that 91 percent of holiday long-distance travel is by personal vehicle use. If you are planning to travel for the upcoming holidays, it is best to prepare your vehicle ahead of time. It is recommended that you get in touch with a local auto repair shop to make sure your vehicle is ready for a long-distance holiday journey.
Holiday Travel Checklist
Even if there is nothing wrong with your car, you should still take it to an auto repair shop for some regular maintenance before you head out on the road. A checklist can help you determine what services to request before you arrive at the shop.
Check the Tires
Tires experience a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. Even if you think your tires are in good shape, you should have them checked at your local repair shop. An expert can check the tire pressure and tread to make sure they are roadworthy. Let the mechanic know that you plan on taking a trip so it can be determined if your current tread level is safe enough for travel.
Check Fluid Levels
Have the mechanic check your vehicle's fluid levels, including power steering fluid, wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and oil. If your fluid levels are low, it can have a negative impact on how well your vehicle runs and drives. For instance, lower power steering fluid can make it hard to steer your vehicle. Low oil can cause damage to your engine. Having your fluid levels checked can also help a mechanic determine if you need an oil change or if you have a leak that needs to be repaired.
Request a Tune-Up
If it has been a while since you last took your vehicle for a tune-up, now would be a good time to request it. A tune-up is always a great idea before you take a long road trip, especially if it hasn't been done within the last year. A tune-up will ensure you have good sparkplugs, sparkplug wires, and fresh fluids.
Schedule an appointment with your local auto repair shop today to get your vehicle ready for upcoming holiday travel.
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