Holiday Drive: How to Prepare Your Car for a Christmas Road Trip

Here are some helpful reminders before you hit the road on the busiest month of the year

Going out of town this holiday season is a tradition for most families. However, sometimes, the excitement can get the best of us. While we spend most of our time planning itineraries, activities, and bookings, we forget to prep the sleigh for the most-anticipated Christmas getaway. There are a few things to consider other than filling up the tank or checking the tires that might save you from any sort of stress on long drives.

Be sure to go through the checklist below to have a worry-free road trip with the family:

Engine

Above Photo: Pixabay / Pexels

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels

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Before anything else, check the engine of your vehicle. Not only will it take you where you need to, but prepping the engine can also take a while—especially if you realise you need an oil change or an air filter replacement.

Don't forget to check the belts to see if the valves still function correctly.

Battery

Above Photo: Julia Avamotive / Pexels

Photo: Julia Avamotive / Pexels

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Next up—battery. To avoid delays, check your car battery for damages. Have them replaced if needed. Nobody wants a delayed holiday because their car broke down midway!

Tyres

Above Photo: Pixabay / Pexels

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels

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Nobody wants to change a tyre in the middle of a road trip. That's why you should balance or rotate your tyres to see if the tread wear is aligned, making sure you're safe to speed through freeways without a hitch.

But always bring a spare tyre and equipment such as a jack and wrench which you can use to change a flat tyre when the need arises.

Lights and Signals

Above Photo: Jonathan Cooper / Pexels

Photo: Jonathan Cooper / Pexels

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Simply turn on all the lights—from the brake lights, fog lights, high and low beams, flashers, and signal lights—to see if any of the bulbs aren't working properly. It's better to fix light problems before the big day!

Brakes

Above Photo: Lex Ger / Pexels

Photo: Lex Ger / Pexels

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Ensure your family's safety by testing the brakes. If the pedal feels smooth when you come to a stop with no pulsation, then you're good to go.

Observe the brake pads; if they're too thin, then it's time for a replacement.

Don't forget to check the brake fluid!

Wipers

Above Guy fixing car wipers (Photo: Sergey Meshkov / Pexels)

Guy fixing car wipers (Photo: Sergey Meshkov / Pexels)

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The weather can be unpredictable at times. Be prepared for light showers by checking your wipers if they're working smoothly. It's an important part of your travels, and you wouldn't want to drive through the rain and can't see through the windshield.

Car Wash

Above Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels

Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels

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Get your car cleaned inside and outside! It's important for you and your passengers to feel comfortable during long drives which is why having a clean and well-organised vehicle counts. You may also bring a small trash bag and organisers to keep essentials in one place.

Fuel

Above Photo: Skitterphoto / Pexels

Photo: Skitterphoto / Pexels

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Lastly, make sure you've got a full tank before starting the journey. Avoid making a stop at the gasoline station along the way, it'll definitely help save travel time and get you to your destination in a tick.

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Christine Andas

Features Writer, Tatler Philippines

Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.