Don’t let car trouble ruin your Thanksgiving. If you’re planning on being one of the millions of drivers out and about on this busy weekend, make sure your vehicle is reliable and safe now. Car trouble isn’t the only thing you need to worry about from Thanksgiving weekend’s Wednesday through Sunday. There will be millions of people on the nation’s roads, so make sure you avoid automobile accidents, too. Stringer Auto Repair lists three ways to make sure your car doesn’t ruin your Thanksgiving.
1. Maintenance Services Before Your Trip
Bring your car, truck, or CUV/SUV to us before your trip so we can get it ready for the demands of Thanksgiving weekend. Preventative maintenance will help prevent
- A dead battery
- Brake failure
- Electrical system problems
- Excess exhaust
- Fuel system trouble
- Motor oil sludge
- Overheating
- Stalling
- Transmission slips or grinds
- Wheel or tire issues
We will also check your belts and hoses, all fluid levels, and make sure your filters don’t need to be replaced. We want you to drive all weekend long with confidence in your car.
2. Packing the Car for Your Trip
Mechanical problems are not the only thing that can ruin your Thanksgiving, however. You could cause problems yourself or get stuck in an emergency outside of your control. Packing and preparing can make the difference between disaster and safety. Pack lightly so that between the human and luggage weight, you aren’t overloading your car. Pack an emergency kit, as well, in case you get stranded roadside because of bad weather, road closures, or an automobile accident.
3. Driving Tips During the Trip
Prevent getting into an accident yourself by following some driving tips offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other authorities designed to prevent Thanksgiving weekend incidents:
- Sleep 8 hours the night before your trip
- Leave early so you can drive slowly
- Honor speed limits
- Go slower when conditions warrant it
- Obey traffic laws
- Buckle up correctly
- Use child car seats correctly
- Do not drive distracted
- Do not drive drunk/impaired
- Do not drive when you’re tired
- Keep plenty of fuel in the tank
- Drive defensively to avoid accidents
- Alternate drivers to avoid fatigue
- Make plenty of rest stops
These tips are based on years of studies and Thanksgiving weekend accident statistics. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all from Stringer Auto Repair in Johnstown, OH.
