To Grandmother’s House We Go…

Thanksgiving has long been one of the busiest travel days of the year, with millions of Americans driving this week in order to spend the holiday with their loved ones. The Car Care Council suggests a pre-travel checklist to help keep drivers safe while on the roads. Even this 10-minute check can save lots of frustration.

Check the tires, including trie pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. While your checking your tires, examine them for bulges and bald spots that can create some real problems.

Check all fluids, including oil, power steering, brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer and anti-freeze/ coolant.

Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked and brittle, frayed , loose or show signs of excessive wear. These belts are critical to a proper functioning electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and coolant system.

Check wipers. Wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months.

The Car Care council also recommends that motorists restock their emergency kit (and PLEASE make one if you don’t already have one in your vehicle!). Items to be included are flashlights and extra batteries, jumper cables, extra fuses, blanket and flares. Check the DMV for a complete vehicle emergency kit list.

After you’ve checked these to-dos off your list, you are ready to head over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house and enjoy the food, family and football that makes every Thanksgiving great.