Getting the Car Prepared for Holiday Travel

Whether you’re dashing through the snow or traveling over the river and through the woods during the holiday season, here’s a list of items to get your car ready before you leave: 

• Maintenance check. Be sure your car is in working order—especially the tires, wiper blades, temperature controls, and fluid levels. Review your owner’s manual for guidelines regarding antifreeze and cold-weather wiper fluid.

• Have an emergency road kit. A first-aid kit, jumper cables, tire repair tools, flashlight, phone charger, paper towel, garbage bag, bottled water, and nonperishable snacks are important to have in your car year-round. Add an ice scraper, snow brush, blanket, gloves, hats, boots, and sand or kitty litter to prepare for winter weather. 

• Pack. In addition to the emergency kit, pack activities for passengers as well as chargers and extra batteries for electronics. Put any valuables in the trunk or covered out of sight. Have roadside assistance contact information, driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and owner’s manual information handy.

• Plan your route. Pre-program your journey into your phone or navigation system to gauge how long your trip will take and to anticipate stops, tolls, and construction. Check the weather forecast ahead of time for travel conditions. 

• Fill up the tank. Start with a full tank of gas and keep it half full to prepare for weather, construction, or traffic delays.

Check these items off your list, check it twice, and check out Acuity’s blogs for more tips. Happy holiday travels!