Tips for Safe Driving While Traveling Over the Holidays

If you are planning on traveling for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or summer vacation, these are the times when the roads have one thing in common – they tend to be much busier.

Hundreds of thousands of drivers take to the roads during the holidays, heading off to visit family and friends. Everyone wants to make it to their destinations safe and sound, and following these tips for driving safely during the holiday season can help that become a reality.

Some of the most obvious rules to follow include not texting or talking on the phone while you are driving, not drinking and driving, making sure you are well rested before leaving for a long drive, and obeying all traffic laws. In addition to following these everyday rules, below you will find a few more tips to help make your holiday travels safe and enjoyable.

1. Make Sure Your Vehicle is Travel Ready

The very first thing you want to make sure of is that your car is travel-ready. A day or two before you leave, check the following either by taking your car to a mechanic, the North Carolina dealership where you bought it or by checking yourself.

Check your tire pressure, making sure it meets the recommended pressure listed in your owners manual. Make sure all four tires are fully inflated, as well as the spare tire.
Check the amount of tread on all tires to make sure you do not need new ones.
Under the hood, check all fluids including the motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and antifreeze.
Check the battery for signs of corrosion on the posts and cables. Ensure there is water in the battery.
Check all belts and hoses.
Make sure all lights on the care are working including the headlights – both dim and bright – taillights, turn signals, reverse lights and emergency flashers.

Keep reading on the Palmer Dodge blog for the rest of these important tips.